Surviving violent, traumatic loss after severe political persecution: lessons from the evaluation of a Venezuelan asylum seeker

Abstract

In July 2019, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released a report urging the Venezuelan government to take immediate action to address the ‘grave violations of economic, social, civil, political and cultural rights’ occurring in the country. This case study highlights the human rights violations occurring in Venezuela through the case of a Venezuelan woman who experienced political persecution and traumatic loss resulting from her opposition to the ruling socialist party. As the clinical team of evaluators explored the mental health effects of surviving threats on her own life and the politically motivated assassination of her husband, it was agreed that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition did not fully capture the extent of her suffering. Case discussion broadens the lens beyond the client’s experiences of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression to include persistent complex bereavement disorder, and emphasises the importance of addressing the sequelae of traumatic loss in a multifaceted way that broadens understanding of emotional functioning postmigration.

Barriers to healthcare for Venezuelan migrants: physicians' perspective

“…Once the migrant is relocated to a new country, the prolonged exposure of traumatic experiences such as their prior life in Venezuela, including the multiple losses of family members, belongings or property (McQuaid et al, 2021). Migrants can experience symptoms of hypervigilance, pervasive anxiety, depressive mood and suicidal ideation (McQuaid et al, 2021;OECD, 2013). Others experienced multiple traumatic events including starvation, witnessing violence or being a victim of sexual and physical violence (Turrini et al, 2017).…”

“…Some exhibit bruises, scars and other signs of physical abuse and torture (Buller et al, 2015). When the medical conditions become exacerbated and the need for increased medical care becomes more pronounced, it is often delayed or denied (Leiler et al, 2019;McQuaid et al, 2021).…”

“…Once the migrant is relocated to a new country, the prolonged exposure of traumatic experiences such as their prior life in Venezuela, including the multiple losses of family members, belongings or property (McQuaid et al. , 2021).…”

“…, 2021). Migrants can experience symptoms of hypervigilance, pervasive anxiety, depressive mood and suicidal ideation (McQuaid et al. , 2021; OECD, 2013).…”

“…When the medical conditions become exacerbated and the need for increased medical care becomes more pronounced, it is often delayed or denied (Leiler et al. , 2019; McQuaid et al. , 2021).…”