Statement of core values

We stand with those who have suffered torture and organised violence*,

• Recognising that the practice of torture and organised violence is a gross abuse of human rights which is never justified under any circumstances, and that its perpetrators should be brought to justice.
• Understanding:
  - that to undergo such violence is an extreme and destructive experience;
  - that it attacks people's sense of identity, dignity and humanity, and can affect their capacity to form trusting relationships;
  - that it has long-term effects on people's lives, which may include physical and/or psychological difficulties.
• Respecting and working with the many and various ways in which people adapt to survive torture and organised violence and to live with the memories and effects of it.
• Being open to whatever their experience may be: to listen, to learn and to respond with humanity and professionalism to support their healing process.
• Addressing our clients as whole people: not expecting that their experiences of torture and organised violence can be treated in isolation from the rest of their lives - which for many clients may include experience of exile, loss and social deprivation.
• Speaking for the human rights and needs of all people subjected to torture and organised violence, even though we can only provide direct clinical and social services to limited numbers according to our resources.

We value working in a dedicated centre of assistance, rehabilitation and healing for those who have suffered torture and organised violence, as a place where:

• The barriers to clients communicating about such a highly personal and painful area of experience can be minimised.
• Professional knowledge and understanding of the particular nature and effects of torture and organised violence, and of appropriate therapeutic responses, is built up and passed on, developing a centre of excellence.
• The services of health and social care practitioners from a wide range of professional trainings and experience are made available to clients according to their individual needs.
• Both short-term and long-term services are available under one roof.
• We are committed to taking a stand for human rights.
• There is continued learning about the work we do - from respectful dialogue with clients and with colleagues both within and outside the organisation.
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We take it as our duty to use the large amount of information we accumulate responsibly, to tell the truth about torture and to contribute to the creation of a more humane global society.

We welcome the rich cultural diversity of our clients, staff and other stake-holders and seek to combat racism, sexism, ageism and other forms of prejudice and discrimination in our service provision, employment and other activities.

As an employer we are committed to providing paid and volunteer staff with equal opportunities for development through appropriate induction, training, information, allocation of responsibility and promotion.

We value the generosity of the donors and volunteers who provide our resources. To ensure proper use of what they provide, we stand for:

• Integrity and transparency in our use of money and other resources.
• Management with clear lines of authority and responsibility under the governance of our Trustees.
• Cultivating good communication throughout the Foundation so that our work and our decisions benefit from the knowledge and experience available.
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* By "torture and organised violence" we mean both severe physical and mental suffering deliberately inflicted on a person in the custody or under the control of such organised bodies as police and security forces and other agencies of governments, military and paramilitary units, and also organised non-state groups. It includes rape and sexual abuse perpetrated by such agencies. It cannot include the violence suffered by adult military personnel in a combat situation, but it does include abuse as described above experienced as a prisoner of war or at the hands of superiors in the victim's own military unit.