Today, torture continues to be used throughout the world for political purposes. Repressive governments use torture against individuals, such as political and religious leaders, judges, journalists, educators and health professionals, as well as whole communities, in order to terrorize and control them. Physical torture typically includes such atrocities as severe beatings to head and genitals, burning of the skin with cigarettes and torches, suspension by arms or legs, near suffocation, electric shocks, multiple rapes and other sexual violations. Mental torture typically includes prolonged isolation, seeing or hearing others tortured, sexual humiliation, confinement in small places or crowded cells, and mock executions. The torturer ultimately attempts to break the will and spirit of individuals by forcing them to betray their beliefs, their principles and themselves.
Torture is a worldwide, man-made epidemic.
Human rights organizations report that over 125 countries in the world today routinely use torture to control their citizens. Cambodian, Iraqi and Bosnian refugees report even higher torture statistics. Such symptoms can seriously hamper the survivor's ability to resume a normal, productive life. Family members of survivors can also be scarred by the trauma of their loved one's torture experiences. Since 1990, Survivors International has provided treatment to more than 900 survivors from 68 countries, treating an average of 25 to 35 patients a week.