Chapter 8: Planning Programs for Torture Survivors [1]

Although the field of torture treatment is in its infancy, a body of knowledge has been developing over the last twenty years through accumulated clinical experience and research. Chapter 1 outlines the history of the torture treatment movement. Chapters 3 through 7 describe in some detail the major service components of programs for torture survivors: social services, psychological services, legal services and medical services.

This chapter gives additional information for program planners on needs and resource assessment, financing, choices in structuring services, and training and supporting staff in this demanding work. This information can be used to plan specialized programs for torture survivors. It can also be used by mainstream health, social service, or legal service providers who want to adapt their existing services to serve torture survivors.