picture of simon caruth

Simon Carruth, Chief Executive Officer

"Torture's appalling aftermath can include lasting physical pain and psychological distress in the form of depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and nightmares. Some victims are left with a sense of overwhelming shame, others with a total loss of faith, both in themselves, and the rest of the human race.

"In building up a detailed knowledge of the effects of torture, Medical Foundation specialists have also built up an understanding of the most effective treatments and strategies to help its victims regain as far as possible a normal life."

Introduction

In 2006, some 2,145 men, women and children were referred to the Medical Foundation for help. They came from nearly 100 countries, foremost among which were Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Turkey, Somalia, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Iraq. After checks to ensure that the cases fell within our remit, they were given, as appropriate to their needs, practical, medical, and psychological assistance in keeping with our holistic approach. On hand to help them were 242 paid staff, both full-time and part-time, and 184 volunteers, including doctors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, complementary therapists and legal advisers.

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The Medical Foundation aims to:

  • Provide survivors of torture in the United Kingdom with medical assessment and care, practical assistance and psychotherapeutic treatment and support.
  • Document evidence of torture.
  • Provide training for health professionals working with torture survivors.
  • Educate the public and decision-makers about torture and its consequences.
  • Ensure that Britain honours its international obligations towards survivors of torture, asylum seekers and refugees.
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture: Registered charity number 1000340 company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales: number 2398586. Office address: 111 Isledon Road, London N7 7JW.