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CALLING FOR PAPERS!

2022-06-13

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Current Issue

Vol. 34 No. 2 (2024): Torture Journal: Journal on Rehabilitaiton of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture

This issue is introduced by the Editorial, which outlines key considerations for cross-cultural assessments of torture survivors, covering concepts from anthropology, medicine, psychology, and psychiatry, and reviews the most relevant elements of a forensic report, focusing on cultural and ethical aspects of the Istanbul Protocol, addressing interviews, medical exams, and psychological evaluations, with attention to transcultural views on pain.

This issue includes a special section with contributions that explore the integration of livelihoods in the rehabilitation of torture survivors. Starting with a paper from Tania Herbert examining the intersect between livelihoods loss and torture, the importance of documenting livelihoods losses in torture assessments and the integration of livelihoods into rehabilitation programs. It provides a foundational framework for treatment centres to consider the integration of socio-economic support into rehabilitation programmes, in addition to psychological and medical care, to address the full impact of torture. The author advocates for a survivor-centered, evidence-based approach to restore sustainable livelihoods as part of comprehensive treatment efforts.

Berta Soley and Skyla Parks present a paper which examines the short-term outcomes of five projects that integrate livelihoods support with mental health and psychosocial treatment for survivors of torture. These projects, conducted by IRCT member centers in Uganda, India, Lebanon, Nepal, and Palestine, aimed to enhance rehabilitation outcomes by addressing both socio-economic and psychological needs. The study’s preliminary results suggest that integrating livelihoods into rehabilitation improved participants’ well-being, social relationships, and community integration. However, limitations such as small sample sizes and short project durations make the results preliminary, highlighting the need for further research.

This is followed by a contribution by Khanal and colleagues, from one of the centres included in the study by Soley and Parks, assessing the outcomes of integrating livelihood support into mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs for survivors of torture in western Nepal. Results show reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as increased self-confidence, social trust, and economic resilience. The study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation, integrating livelihood support to enhance the well-being and social reintegration of torture survivors.

Likewise, Ayesha Mushtaq explores the integration of livelihood support with MHPSS in the rehabilitation of torture survivors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a cross-sectional study, it highlights the negative cycle of poverty and mental health faced by survivors, with 92% of respondents confirming a strong link between the two. The integration of livelihood support is found to improve mental health outcomes, economic stability, and social reintegration. The study further recommends enhancing coordination, securing sustainable funding, and implementing holistic rehabilitation programs to address survivors’ needs comprehensively.

The special section concludes with the contribution from Andreea Lachsz, which studies the incarcerated populations in Australia and the US, highlighting how many come from marginalized communities with histories of trauma, arguing that imprisonment adds to this trauma and calls for a shift in the criminal legal system from focusing on reducing reoffending to promoting healing. The author also advocates for stronger international legal protections and more research into the effectiveness of prison labour in supporting post-release livelihoods.

This issue also includes a research paper from Nielsen and colleagues that assesses the effectiveness of sleep-enhancing treatments, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) and mianserin in trauma-affected refugees with PTSD. The study finds that IRT improved well-being six months post-treatment, but neither IRT nor mianserin showed significant benefits in sleep quality or other outcomes compared to TAU.

Published: 2024-09-25
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PLEASE NOTE: A new website for the Torture Journal is under construction.

The Torture Journal is an international scientific journal that provides an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of original research and systematic reviews by professionals concerned with the biomedical, psychological and social interface of torture and the rehabilitation of its survivors.