Torture victims from countries where political violence is commonplace often do not realize the connection between their ordeal and lingering depression. They usually find their way to the Healing Club through referrals from social workers and immigrant advocates. For many, it is a relief to simply find a supportive group of people with whom they can share their histories. As Vietnam vets learned long ago, most people are not interested in tales of unpleasant events in far-off places. The Healing Club is designed to assist dislocated refugees in rebuilding ruptured connections to the happier periods of their lives.
Members meet once a month and go to museums, movies or the zoo.
At most outings, they let the painful ties that brought them together remain unspoken. Often, they bring their children or spouses along to enjoy the day. They have been hurt, humiliated and degraded. Deutsch knows something about searing memories. Quiroga has had to make his own peace with the unforgettable times in which he has lived.