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Asylums were meant to cure people with mental turmoil – but why do people there become torture subjects?

Society must provide comprehensive rehabilitation and support services to individuals who have survived torture. Torture survivors often experience severe physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, which can have long-lasting effects on their well-being and quality of life. This program addresses these complex needs and helps survivors rebuild their lives.

Facilities for the insane have always had a terrible reputation for many reasons. Other than their utterly neglected state, mental asylums are more like straightjacket prisons that used to keep “mad people” away from disturbing society. Furthermore, there have been tons of corruption in those straightjacket prisons that are so far down that they can’t simply be reformed. It broke into many scandals that earned bad reps for those mental facilities.

Stories of abuse in these places are detailed in the book Asylum Scandals by Patricia Lubeck. It highlights the rampant treatments and torture procedures in Minnesota’s state hospitals. St Peter and Rochester Hospitals have been around for a long time; however, they became places where evil beyond repair managed to surface. Patricia Lubeck wrote Asylum Scandals to glimpse daily life inside these two hospitals. 

Critical Components of the Healing Journey

Each survivor would undergo a thorough assessment to identify their physical, psychological, and social needs. This assessment would guide the development of an individualized rehabilitation plan. Survivors would have access to medical care to address torture-related injuries. Additionally, they would receive psychological support, including therapy and counseling, to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

There should be trauma-informed therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based approaches, to help survivors process and cope with traumatic experiences. Through these methods, victims of trauma and abuse from asylums can have a better healing headstart.

On another note, group therapy sessions provide survivors with a safe space to connect with others who have similar experiences. These groups can reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community. It’s hard for anyone to heal alone. By allowing victims to feel that they’re not alone in their struggles, they can better empathize with each other.

Helping Survivors Get Back On Their Feet

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Helping torture survivors recover and rebuild their lives requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Vocational training and educational opportunities would be provided to help survivors regain their independence and reintegrate into society. This could include language classes, job skills training, and support in finding employment.

Recognizing that survivors may come from diverse cultural backgrounds, the program would incorporate culturally sensitive practices and tailor services to meet individual needs. For survivors who were separated from their families due to torture or displacement, much effort must be made to reunite them. Family support and counseling would also be available to help survivors rebuild relationships.

Moreover, recovery from torture is a long-term process. The program would provide ongoing support and follow-up care to ensure survivors continue to receive the assistance they need. Some programs would engage in research to better understand the needs of torture survivors and the effectiveness of different interventions. Additionally, it would advocate for policies and practices that promote the rights and well-being of survivors.

What Support Can Do for These Victims

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Unless society fails to address the issues that these victims are under, they will continually suffer from the aftereffects of being subjected to torture in a mental institution. One’s support for torture survivors can significantly and positively impact their lives, well-being, and overall recovery process. Support from individuals, communities, organizations, or governments is crucial in helping survivors heal and rebuild their lives.

Additionally, supportive networks can help survivors navigate complex systems, such as legal processes, medical care, and social services. This assistance can be crucial in assisting survivors in accessing the necessary resources. Torture survivors often face isolation due to the stigma and secrecy surrounding their experiences. Supportive relationships can break this isolation, foster social connections, and promote a sense of belonging.

Support can amplify survivors’ voices, empower them to seek justice, and advocate for their rights. It can also contribute to raising awareness about torture and human rights violations. It also contributes to the long-term well-being of survivors, assisting them in maintaining their progress and preventing relapses or setbacks. Survivors who receive support often become sources of inspiration and resilience for others, demonstrating that healing and recovery are possible even after experiencing severe trauma.

Demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a willingness to listen and learn from survivors can create a meaningful and lasting impact on their healing journey.

Understanding the road to recovery for torture victims is a great way to acknowledge the deteriorating effects of being in these institutions. And Asylum Scandals perfectly illustrate all the atrocities from these places. Grab a copy of the book today!