Objectives
- 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
Content
- The subjective element of suffering
- Torture methods
- Beating
- Falanga
- Ear trauma
- Eye trauma
- Restraint, shackling and positional torture
- Suspension
- Crushing and stretch Injuries
- Burning
- Electrical injuries
- Aspyxiation
- Violent shaking
- Sexual assault
- Sexual humiliation
- Prolonged isolation and sensory deprivation
- Sleep deprivation
- Temperature manipulation
- Sensory bombardment
- Threats of harm
- Psychological consequences of torture
- The Paradox of Psychological Consequences of Torture
- The Psychological Consequences of Torture
- Social, Political and Cultural Context
- Risk factors for Trauma and Torture-Related Disorders
- Psychological Symptoms
Discussion Topics
- 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
Teaching Formats
- Group Activity:
- 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
- Alternative Option:
- 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 Research/Assignment:
- 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
Primary Resources
- 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
Section Contents
- Introduction
- Torture Methods
- Beatings/Falanga
- Ear Trauma
- Eye Trauma
- Restraint, Shackling and Positional Torture
- Suspension
- Crushing and Stretching Injuries
- Burning
- Electrical injuries
- Asphyxiation
- Violent Shaking
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Humiliation
- Prolonged Isolation and Sensory Deprivation
- Sleep Deprivation
- Temperature Manipulation
- Sensory Bombardment
- Threats of Harm
- Psychological Consequences of Torture
- Module 4 Presentation: Torture Methods and their Medical Consequences
- Self-Assessment and Quiz