June 26th UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Did you know that about 1 million survivors of torture are currently living in the United States?
Today, around the world, survivors and NGOs are commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The United States Torture Victims Relief Act defines torture as: “an act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain of suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control.” Studies show that about 50% of refugees who survived torture experience posttraumatic stress disorder and/or major depressive disorder.
The Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience (PPR) works with survivors of torture and their families in the greater Philadelphia region to rebuild their lives and heal from the physical and psychological wounds from torture. A collaboration between Nationalities Service Center, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Pennsylvania (HIAS PA) and BuildaBridge International, PPR helps meet the multifaceted needs of survivors in our region providing case management, legal services, mental health resources, and healing opportunities. In honor of today, PPR will be hosting their annual family picnic at Franklin Square Park this August in order to bring together current and former clients and continue to promote a sense of community among those who have survived unspeakable horrors as they work to rebuild new lives. If you are interested in getting involved with the picnic, please contact Cathy Jeong, Program Manager, at cjeong@nscphila.org.
