SAVE THE DATE

Forced Migration: Global Stressors – Domestic Implications

Save the date for NCTTP’s 16th Annual Research Symposium. Monday, March 18th, 2024

NCCTP is proud to announce its Sixteenth Annual Research Symposium. Co-sponsored by the Georgetown University. Monday,

March 18, 2024, At the Lohrfink Auditorium at Georgetown University

Currently Requesting Abstracts

Purpose of this symposium

The objective of the symposium is to provide a multidisciplinary forum for the exchange of original research and/or systematic literature review among professionals working in clinical services, involved in public policy, or conducting research with survivors of state sponsored torture. This symposium is directed to physicians, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, journalists, human rights advocates, political scientists, and lawyers in disciplines such as medicine, psychology, social work, case management, epidemiology, human rights, and justice and reparation.

The number of forcibly displaced people across the globe, and the intensity of their suffering, is approaching levels we have not seen before in our lifetimes. Effective responses that promote healing and respect for human rights are needed now, more than ever. The NCTTP Symposium still focuses on research and therapeutic interventions geared toward the effective treatment of survivors of torture, but we hope to extend our call for papers to other disciplines and domains that are impacted by the increase in forced migrants in our communities (i.e., legal, economic, educational, social, and political). Insights and experiences from both the international and domestic realms will be considered, as we try to navigate the increasingly complex array of stressors and challenges facing these survivors.

Historical background information

Programs specializing in the rehabilitation of survivors of torture were first developed in the late 1970’s, with the first program started in the United States in 1980. Despite the prevalence of torture and its mental health consequences, there has been relatively little research conducted about torture, its consequences, treatment and impact of services and treatment. Most of the information published about torture survivors is descriptive. Few clinical outcome studies exist.

Most donor organizations give funds only for the direct care of survivors and are not willing to finance necessary infrastructure or scientific research.

Because of the paucity of data on torture survivors described above, a relatively long history of treatment of torture survivors, studies of the efficacy of different treatment approaches and of the indicators to measure successful outcomes have not been completed. Few outcome studies exist and those which do exist, have limitations including the lack of control groups, definitions of diagnostic criteria, and validation of assessment instruments, small sample size, and other factors
(Basoglu, 1998; Quiroga and Jaranson 2005; Jaranson and Quiroga, 2011).

However, members of the NCTTP have been doing research and publishing in peer reviewed journals. The Research & Data Committee of NCTTP is working on the task of pooling data from member programs to support advocacy activities and future outcome research. While some programs have their own IRB affiliations, the NCTTP Research & Data Committee is developing a process and robust infrastructure to make IRB review available for joint NCTTP research projects.

The sixteenth NCTTP’s Annual Research Symposium, which is associated with the Consortium’s annual national meeting, will provide an opportunity to present and discuss our research endeavors and challenges. Since March 2009, the NCTTP has bolstered its annual meeting in Washington, DC with an annual scientific symposium. Jose Quiroga and Abdallah Boumediene volunteered to be the initial organizers, and Dr. Quiroga has continued in that role since then.

This 2024 full day symposium will be a hybrid structure. Some participants will be able to attend in-person in Washington, DC (the exact numbers are still being worked out in terms of public health concerns and budgetary parameters). Others will be able to attend virtually. The program will include presentations by NCTTP members, along with two keynote speakers. Continuing Education credits are being sought for social work and for other disciplines.

Please submit a letter of intention for oral or poster presentations and a final form of the abstract for your proposed presentation, following the outline below. Abstract submission is limited to NCTTP members only.

More information will be forthcoming on the specific requirements (size, materials) for poster presentations. Posters will be on display during the Symposium.

Deadline for Submission of Abstracts is Friday, January 5, 2024

Fill out our abstract submission at:

https://forms.gle/H4463EASgzfUoAE49

Any question? Please email [email protected]

Editorial policy

Abstract of the papers to be presented at the symposium will be submitted to a process of selection by the editorial board. Acceptance priority will be given to planning for one presentation per program.

The NCTTP’s Sixteenth Annual Research Symposium Planning Committee: