It is estimated that over four hundred thousand survivors of torture now live in the United States. Washington, D.C. is an internationally diverse metropolitan area, home to thousands of refugees and immigrants from all over the world. Consequences of Torture Types of torture experienced by survivors include physical, psychological, and sexual torture. Physical methods of torture can be include severe beatings about the head, genitals, and feet, suspension by arms or feet, burning, electric shock, and other atrocities. Psychological torture includes isolation, interrogation, solitary confinement, crowded cells, threats to one's life, mock executions, and witnessing others being tortured.
Sexual torture includes rape, sexual humiliation, and witnessing others being raped.
The consequences of torture can be profound. Survivors may be affected physically, emotionally and cognitively. Physical consequences of torture may include headaches, scars, broken bones, gastrointestinal problems, neurological symptoms, and pain in the feet, back, and joints. Survivors with PTSD re-experience traumatic events in the form of constant memories and nightmares. They may try to avoid any reminders of the trauma.