Sunday, October 06, 2024

Building Resilience: How Holistic Rehabilitation is Transforming the Lives of Torture Survivors


  Empowering Survivors: Sustaining Holistic Rehabilitation for Torture Victims through Capacity Building and Community Leadership

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

                                   Lenin Raghuvanshi

Shruti Nagvanshi

                                                                Planning meeting


                                                         Shirin Shaban Khan 

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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