On Turning a Blind Eye and a Deaf Ear: Society’s Response to the Use of Torture

Working With Refugee Torture Survivors: Assessment of Competency and Training

“…Similarly, previous research with medical students suggests that trainees and professionals are likely to hold attitudes towards torture that conflict with those endorsed by the professional organizations in which they are involved (Bean et al, 2008). In some ways, phenomenon has been described as a "large group regression" whereby dichotomous and defensive thinking are intensified (Thomas, 2011). In this way, mental health professionals and trainees in this sample may simply reflect the general public attitude, and their relative lack of exposure to torture victims contributes to the fact that their practical experience does not mediate their attitudes about torture.…”

“…Although APA now has in place much stronger policies based on the incorporation of input from diverse members (APA 2008(APA , 2010, the process through which APA has arrived at the current resolution calls into question the organization"s, and by extension the training provided and supported by that organization, ability to respond ethically and effectively to issues related to torture. Given the state of U.S. politics, national attitudes about the use of torture, the long history of psychologists participating in torture (Greenberg & Dratel, 2005;Greenburg & NYU, 2006;Thomas, 2011), and our own APA torture resolution controversy (see Pope, in press, for a summary), it is important to explore clinicians" current (a) attitudes towards torture, and (b) competency related to working with refugee torture survivors.…”

Torture and terror post-9/11: The role of social work in responding to torture

“…This provides for a very precarious and concerning social climate, particularly for the vulnerable communities that social workers work alongside. Engstrom and Okamura (2004) note that social workers need to understand torture, not only because it impacts tens of thousands of people who they may work with, but also because the larger scale social impacts are often missed (Thomas, 2011). It is apparent, however, that social work responses to torture in the public and political realm have been limited.…”