Module 4: Torture Methods and their Medical Consequences

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To provide in-depth information on specific torture methods, how they are applied and possible acute and chronic physical findings associated with them
To develop an understanding of the extent to which physical findings corroborate specific allegations of torture and ill-treatment
To be able to describe and identify physical findings, likely causes of injury and opinion regarding the possibility of torture/ill-treatment
To understand common psychosocial consequences of torture and ill-treatment
To be familiar with factors which may affect the variability of psychological evidence of torture and ill-treatment

Students should work in groups or individually on answering questions contained in Self-Assessment 4
Additional Discussion Topics:

Discuss the overall value of physical evidence of torture and limitations thereof
Consider relationships between physical and psychological evidence of torture. Provide 92 examples of interrelated findings.
What patterns of physical injury support the allegation of torture?
Discuss possible interpretations of the absence of physical evidence of torture and ill treatment

Divide the class into several groups and have each group work on answering questions contained in Self-Assessment 4
A facilitator should be identified to moderate the discussion and rapporteur should be identified to record the group’s findings and report them when the class reconvenes.
After 20-30 minutes of group discussion, the entire class should reconvene
Rapporteurs should briefly report on their group’s findings
Open class discussion

Divide the class into several groups and assign each group with one or more (or all) of the Discussion Topics
Follow the usual sequence for conducting group activities as outlined above

Individual students should answer all questions contained in Self-Assessment 4
Journal Entry: (Instructor to assign Write a few paragraphs — no more than a page)
Respond to one or more of the Discussion Topics

The Istanbul Protocol, Chapters V and VI
The Medical Documentation of Torture
Medical Investigation and Documentation of Torture: A Handbook for Health Professionals
Examining Asylum Seekers
Medical Physical Examination of Alleged Torture Victims: A Practical Guide to the Istanbul Protocol for Medical Doctors
Dermatologic Findings after Alleged Torture (PowerPoint file). Lis Danielsen and Ole Vedel Rasmussen, IRCT 2004-2005.
Torture Methods (PowerPoint file). Ole Vedel Rasmussen, IRCT 2004-2005.
Işkence Atlaı: Işkencenin Tibbi Olarak Belgelendirilmesinde Muayene ve Tanısal Inceleme Sonuclarının Kullanılması
Trainers’ Guidelines for Health Professionals: Training of Users