Survivors of Novel Torture Methods Prone to Have Future Psychological Disorders

Though torture has been used for centuries as an instrument of power and terror, new methods of torture tend to leave long-term psychological scars to survivors, according to a recent research from the Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom.

Gone are the days when torture consists of racks, hot-iron branding and multiple lashes. In conflicts in Africa, Middle East and Palestine, methods of torture are often aimed at breaking the sufferer’s will and dignity. Combatants often choose to rape civilians, or coerce them to endure bestiality or witness horrendous violent acts, according to the stories of experiences shared by asylum seekers in the United Kingdom.

 

Methods used today more traumatic

According to researchers, many novel methods of torture today spare the head and limb. Instead, there is a focus to evoke the greatest fears of the victims. Methods used today include using sugar water to entice ants to eat exposed skin, burning, nail extraction and putting small objects under the nails. Acts of rape, by single or multiple perpetrators, bestiality, mutilation of genitals and forced abortion are also common. In that way, perpetrators can impose more power over the victims and destroy their will to resist.

Making civilians (young and old) witness horrible acts of violence are also common, and it leaves an invisible psychological scar that persists for life. And the worst thing that can happen is that when the scar is not medically addressed.

Compounding to the problem of sufferers is the difficulty of obtaining an asylum, language differences and lack of schooling or education. Possibility of deportation is also there.

 

More prone to PTSD and suicide

Having to watch or experience modern torture, even those that do not leave physical wounds, overwhelm coping mechanisms and makes the person prone to have PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and suicidal idealization. Such disorders may come right after the traumatic experience, sometime after it, or even after a long time, according to previous studies.

 

It is to note that majority of countries today signed a UN convention pledging to ban all forms of torture almost thirty years ago. But torture is still a part of national policy in many nations today, especially among authoritarian regimes. Researchers of the study said of that their research is important so nations will understand what prompts these people to seek asylum, and to make sure that they had the appropriate resources to help them.

 

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