Every year, on June 26th, the world unites to stand against the dark shadow of torture. The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as a rallying cry, reminding us to raise our voices, honor those who have suffered, and fight for justice, rehabilitation, and healing.
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as a reminder that torture is an egregious violation of human rights and international law. It provides a platform to shed light on the physical, psychological, and emotional pain endured by torture victims, reaffirming the global commitment to eradicating torture in all its forms.
Our member Diakonie Austria has been instrumental in providing essential services to victims of torture. Through its specialized centers, Jefira and Ankyra, Diakonia Austria offers trauma-specific, culturally sensitive, and interpreter-supported psychotherapy to individuals who have survived violence, war, torture, displacement, and rape. These initiatives aim to empower refugees in coping with their traumatic experiences and developing the necessary
Jefira, the intercultural psychotherapy center of Diakonie in Lower Austria, has been a steadfast pillar of support for refugees for over a decade. It provides comprehensive services, including initial assessments, long-term and short-term psychotherapy, group therapy, and psychiatric counseling. By offering tailored psychotherapeutic intervention, Jefira aims to facilitate successful integration for asylum seekers, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and recognized refugees residing in Lower Austria. The center helps survivors overcome the psychological impact of trauma and equips them with coping mechanisms for stress, enabling them to rebuild their lives and engage meaningfully in society.
Similarly Ankyra, the Intercultural Psychotherapy Center Tyrol, offers trauma-specific care to individuals who have endured violence, war, torture, expulsion, and rape. With a focus on cultural sensitivity and supported by interpreters, Ankyra provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors to heal and regain control over their lives. The center empowers survivors to rebuild their futures and overcome the profound psychological and physical effects of trauma.
Moreover, Diakonie Austria’s trauma center in St Pölten plays a vital role in providing integration support through psychotherapy, with a special emphasis on children and their parents. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced extreme trauma, the center offers therapeutic interventions to help survivors overcome the lingering effects of violence. By providing early assistance, particularly for children who have endured unimaginable horrors during their journey, Diakonie Austria supports them in their education, helping them build a brighter future. These initiatives by Jefira, Ankyra, and Diakonie Austria collectively contribute to the promotion of integration and the empowerment of torture victims as they strive to heal, rebuild, and embrace a hopeful future.
On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we are reminded of the urgent mission to eliminate torture, empower survivors, and defend human rights. By raising awareness, advocating for justice, and promoting rehabilitation, we forge a path toward a world where torture has no place, where the echoes of the past no longer hinder the present, and where the future is unburdened by the scars of extreme trauma. As Martin Schenk, psychologist and social expert at Diakonie Austria emphasizes, breaking free from the grip of the terrible past is the key to integration for those who have endured unimaginable violence. Together, let us unite our voices, ignite compassion, and strive relentlessly for a future where every individual’s rights are cherished, their healing is supported, and their potential knows no bounds.