Freedom from Torture

@freedomfromtorture.bsky.social

Torture tries to destroy lives. We won't let it. We stand with survivors, providing therapy and support, and fighting for change together. https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/

@freedomfromtorture.bsky.social

Trigger warning: sexual violence ⚠️ Too many survivors of torture and sexual violence have to navigate an asylum system that leaves them feeling unheard, disbelieved and retraumatised. The Government's recognition of these harms must be matched by action to protect the survivors.

Headline from The Guardian about nearly all women arriving on small boats being raped question: Will the Home Secretary ensure that survivors of torture and sexual violence can access the support and safety they need when seeking protection in the UK?Many of our clients have survived a traumatic journey to the UK. During this journey, they have experienced violence, trafficking, family separation, exploitation and extreme hardship. On certain routes, torture, detention, enslavement and sexual exploitation are the norm.Survivors need a safe and secure environment and the support of clinical and legal professionals, in order to disclose and recover from an experience of torture and trauma. They should be given a fair hearing and their testimony be given the weight it deserves as evidence of a risk of future harm. When the Home Office makes the wrong decision on an asylum claim, a survivor can be left waiting months or years for the appeal court to correct the mistake. Survivors deserve the right decision the first time.
@freedomfromtorture.bsky.social

Our therapeutic work with survivors of torture shows just how profoundly damaging detention is. Even the briefest period in detention can increase the risk of suicide and self-harm. Yet despite the evidence of harm, the Government is not only continuing but expanding its use.

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