CALL FOR PAPERS - EXPIRED
Background
There has been increased pressure on public health systems and rehabilitation centers that work with torture survivors and traumatized forced migrants over the last few years, in Europe as well as globally. Massive population displacement over a short time challenges existing services and can threaten holistic rehabilitation treatment. Estimates vary, but it seems likely that as many as 25% of forced migrants are survivors of torture, either in their country of origin, during transit, or in the country where they seek refuge. This pressure has stimulated not only a wealth of new data, but also innovative ways to deal with the situation on the ground.
The Torture Journal would like to gather lessons learnt not only from Europe, but also from other parts of the world where migrant torture survivors need attention: Are we dealing adequately with our duty towards torture survivors who are forced migrants? What characterizes the treatment and rehabilitation of migrant torture survivors in recent crises compared to previous ones? Has it changed rehabilitation practices and, if so, it what way? What lessons can be learnt for both the clinical and non-clinical rehabilitation of these vulnerable populations going forward in Europe as well as globally?
Objective
To gather and disseminate useful experiences developed in order to detect and assist migrant torture survivors; to inspire practitioners to apply such examples in their own practice; and, to allow reflection between contexts, both within Europe and globally.
Call for papers
Torture Journal encourages authors to submit papers with a rehabilitation orientation, particularly those that are interdisciplinary. We welcome papers on:
(a) the definition of torture or torturing environments in migrant/refugee populations;
(b) particular victim groups, locations, types of torture, specific vulnerabilities, with respect to risks, impacts and needs with a specific focus;
(c) specific aspects related to places of detention or deprivation of liberty;
(d) psychometric tools specifically for working with migrant/refugee torture survivors;
(e) medical diagnosis, forensic assessment and appropriate referral mechanisms of torture survivors, and the significance that documentation of torture has regarding obtaining asylum /residence permit, i.e. legal implications;
(f) psychosocial and community impacts and interventions;
(g) recommended practice for when resources or conditions are not optimal;
(h) national policies with respect to the right to rehabilitation;
(i) therapies regarding psychotherapy and group therapy;
(j) the impact in host societies and studies on sociological views of tortured migrants;
(k) cultural and gender specific issues in situations of torture survivors in places of detention and/or refugee situations.
Submission guidelines
For general submission guidelines, please see the website (http://irct.org/research-development/torture-journal). Papers will be selected on their relevance to the field, applicability, methodological rigour, and level of innovation.
Deadline for submissions: 31st December 2017.
