Sustaining and Strengthening
Holistic Rehabilitation for Torture Survivors
Supported by IRCT as part of the "United Against Torture"
initiative under the EU
Training Dates: February 26-28, 2024
Location: People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Office,
Varanasi
Background and Objective
The three-day training was conducted under the project
Sustaining and Strengthening Holistic Rehabilitation for Torture Survivors,
supported by IRCT as part of the United Against Torture initiative under
the EU. The project aims to enhance survivor rehabilitation services by
providing staff capacity-building and survivor-centered interventions to help
victims recover from torture.
The key focus areas included:
1. Life Skills Training for Survivors
2. Testimonial Therapy
3. Community Leadership Development
4. Folk Schools and Community
Meetings
Day-wise Overview
Day 1: Understanding Torture and Psychological Impact
- Session 1: Led by Shirin Shabana Khan, the focus
was on differentiating between torture and organized violence. Torture was
defined as acts by state authorities, while non-state violence was
categorized as organized violence.
- Session 2: Shruti Nagvanshi discussed the impact
of torture on families, specifically on children. Participants learned
about trauma in children, focusing on overcoming fear, isolation, and
self-esteem issues. Practical exercises like trust games were conducted to
enhance survivor engagement.
Day 2: Testimony and Trauma-Informed Care
- Session: Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi explained the
significance of testimony-taking, encouraging open-ended questions for
survivors to share their stories. Testimonial Therapy was highlighted as a
powerful healing tool. The session also emphasized follow-ups and community
reintegration strategies for survivors. Street plays were conducted to
raise awareness about domestic violence and police torture.
Day 3: Project Planning
- Session: Shirin Shabana Khan discussed project
planning and the goals under the "United Against Torture"
initiative. Teams planned activities, including folk schools, community
meetings, and leadership training for survivors. Special attention was given
to documentation and ensuring survivor engagement in various districts
like Sonbhadra, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
Analysis of the Training's Impact
This training has been instrumental in aligning
PVCHR’s efforts with the goals outlined in the Sustain and Strengthen
Holistic Rehabilitation for Torture Survivors initiative. By enhancing the
capacity of staff and volunteers, PVCHR is positioned to deliver more
comprehensive and effective rehabilitation services.
Key outcomes from the training:
1. Improved Understanding of Torture
and Organized Violence: Participants now better understand the multifaceted effects of
torture, including emotional and psychological consequences.
2. Enhanced Testimonial Therapy
Skills: Through
practical sessions, participants have refined their testimonial therapy
techniques, which will empower survivors and provide them with a platform for
healing.
3. Building Community Leadership: The training fostered a sense of
community among survivors, laying the foundation for the development of leaders
within the Survivor Alliance, who will advocate for others in their
communities.
4. Strengthened Monitoring and
Documentation: Improved
data collection and evaluation methods were introduced, ensuring that outcomes
are effectively tracked and that adjustments can be made to optimize project
success.
Project Brief and Planning
The project is designed to address chronic human
rights violations, particularly torture, by providing comprehensive
rehabilitation services and advocacy efforts for survivors. It covers four
districts: Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Badaun (Uttar Pradesh),
and Koderma (Jharkhand).
Activities and Timelines:
- Life Skills
Training (January -
December 2024): 40 young trauma survivors will undergo life skills
training to enhance their coping mechanisms and vocational skills.
- Folk Schools and
Community Meetings (Ongoing): 20 gatherings will be organized to provide safe spaces
for survivors to share experiences and foster resilience.
- Community Leader
Training (April - June
2024): 30 survivors will be trained as community leaders, equipping them
with trauma-informed care skills to support other survivors.
- Testimonial
Therapy (Ongoing): 30
survivors, with a focus on women, will receive testimonial therapy to
process their trauma and reclaim their dignity.
- Staff Training (March - September 2024): 25 staff
members will be trained to enhance survivor support capabilities.
Outcome and Evaluation:
- Monthly progress
meetings and evaluations will ensure the timely and effective
implementation of the activities.
- Pre- and
post-training assessments using the WHO I-5 scale will measure the
emotional well-being and resilience of participants.
- Data collected
from the field will be rigorously verified and documented for ongoing
project evaluation.
Potential Challenges:
The project anticipates challenges such as resistance from political factions
and societal pressures. To mitigate these risks, PVCHR will leverage its
network of grassroots organizations and media channels to bring public
attention to survivor stories and build community solidarity.
Conclusion
This project, supported by the IRCT and EU, is an
essential step in addressing the widespread issue of torture in India. The
training of PVCHR staff and the Survivor Alliance is a vital component of
creating a sustainable support system for torture survivors. By fostering
resilience, empowering community leaders, and providing holistic care, the
project aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and contribute
to a more just and equitable society.
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