Center for Victims of Torture

At @cvt.org, we are honored to receive the 2025 Freedom From Fear Award from the Roosevelt Institute. We are humbled to be among this group of recipients, incl World Central Kitchen, and others who refuse to be cowed by creeping authoritarianism and who stand up for human rights. See you in Sept!

Trump’s “Deportation Industrial Complex” wants to find, chase, detain, and deport 1 million immigrants per year. This includes people who haven’t committed any crime and many who are lawfully in the US. Cost: $170 billion… and America’s soul.

Congress' Next Step to Stop Trump’s Transfers to Torture Six new bills demanding that the executive branch provide basic information about deportations from U.S. shores should pass unanimously.

Congress should demand that the Trump admin provide the most basic of info about the conditions to which it is consigning human beings transferred from U.S. shores.

@scott-roehm.bsky.social and @becingber.bsky.social on new legislation in the Senate:
www.justsecurity.org/118670/congr...

“This kind of “nothing to see here” approach to gross human rights violations, from the United States, is how the global human rights architecture could begin to crumble.” -Scott Roehm, director of policy & advocacy Click: www.cvt.org/statements/c...

Congratulations!!

We are honored to receive the @rooseveltinstitute.org's 2025 Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech and Expression, and to be among a stellar class of laureates including @wck.org, @cvt.org, and more. Details: tnvge.co/ZMIUg7v

Our bodies react to trauma in ways we don’t always expect. Trauma is a complex process in our nervous system, and normal reactions can feel confusing. Even if you feel fine after an experience, there may signs that your system is reacting to trauma. If so, it’s time for good self-care.

Rep. McCollum to Host Listening Session: Impacts of Defunding Public Media and International Aid on Minnesotans SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum will host a listening session on Thursday, August 7 at 11:00 AM CT to hear from Minnesota nonprofit leaders and public media providers about how they a...

CVT is participating in this listening session hosted by Congresswoman Betty McCollum on the impacts of federal funding cuts. We look forward to joining other Minnesota nonprofit leaders and public media providers Aug. 7.

mccollum.house.gov/media/press-...

Trauma is complex, and it’s important to pay attention to how your mind and body respond to your experiences. Practicing self-care is important for people who have survived traumatic situations – and for everyone.

To speak or not to speak: Why many aid groups are silent about the Trump cuts Charities usually like to talk to the public about their good works. In the wake of the Trump aid cuts, there's a new approach: "anticipatory silence." It's controversial.

Charities usually like to talk to the public about their good works. In the wake of the Trump aid cuts, there's a new approach: "anticipatory silence." It's controversial.

To speak or not to speak: Why many aid groups are silent about the Trump cuts Charities usually like to talk to the public about their good works. In the wake of the Trump aid cuts, there's a new approach: "anticipatory silence." It's controversial.

Since the cruel and unconscionable cuts to US foreign aid began in January, @cvt.org has refused to capitulate to "anticipatory silence." We will continue to speak up for torture survivors, refugees and the humanitarian sector. knpr.org/npr/2025-08-...

To speak or not to speak: Why many aid groups are silent about the Trump cuts Charities usually like to talk to the public about their good works. In the wake of the Trump aid cuts, there's a new approach: "anticipatory silence." It's controversial.

NEW on @npr.org: CVT's Scott Roehm comments that many clients were tortured for "protesting against some of the world's most dangerous authoritarian regimes, dictators." He added, "Continuing to speak up was about the least we could do to honor their courage."
knpr.org/npr/2025-08-...

For 40 years, the Center for Victims of Torture has supported the healing journeys of thousands of survivors. Clinicians remind us that culturally competent and trauma-informed practices are needed for effective care.

When Vision Feels Bigger Than Structure: The CVT Myanmar Initiative In 2024, I joined the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) as a consultant psychotherapist and trainer. It felt like stepping fully into my purpose especially after a much-needed career break.

“Without trust, even the best ideas fall flat,” writes Faith Mulungi, MSc., consultant psychotherapist & trainer, about her work with civil society on mental health & psychosocial support for refugees from Myanmar.
www.cvt.org/articles/whe...

The refugee crisis is at truly historical levels. With as many as 44 percent of all refugees and asylum seekers living in the U.S. having survived torture, it’s time for care, not funding cuts.

Why genocide experts believe Israel is guilty of the crime of crimes - ABC listen A defiant Israel has agreed to allow more aid into the Gaza strip while insisting that claims of starvation are being fabricated.

“There is never any defense for genocide. Never. Not by anyone. Not anywhere. It’s a crime that diminishes our shared humanity. It’s the crime of crimes and it has to end.” CVT's @simonadams.bsky.social comments in Part Two of this episode by ABC Australia.
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...

The legal definition of Genocide and the War in Gaza: Part One - ABC listen Media organisations, including the ABC, are wrestling with the particular use of a word to describe the death and destruction: genocide. But what constitutes Genocide? Does the legal definition fit t...

“If civilians in Gaza don’t qualify for urgent international protection then we have to ask what crisis ever will and what failures took place to bring us to this point?” said Dr. @simonadams.bsky.social CVT president & CEO, in the first of two episodes on ABC Austr.
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...

Over many years, CVT extended care to thousands of Syrian refugees living in Jordan. 80% of them were women; 19% were children. As the Syrian people rebuild their country after the fall of the Assad regime, CVT reminds us that survivors deserve healing, not funding cuts.

📣NEW LANGUAGES: The Lab, #RefugeeStorytellersCollective & @refugeecongress.bsky.social have translated our storytelling guide into Arabic, Creole, French, and Spanish.
🌟Are you looking to begin your storytelling journey? Read the guide!
www.refugeeadvocacylab.org/resources/bu...

Opinion | Minnesota can lead again on refugees, just as Mondale did "As the world faces its largest displacement crisis since World War II — with more than 123 million people forced to flee their homes — Minnesota should take note of Mondale’s example," Alison Beckman of the Center for Victims of Torture writes.

🧵Minnesota should follow VP Mondale’s example writes Alison Beckman, Lab & @cvt.org, in the @startribune.com:
“We must demand our government restore the refugee resettlement & asylum systems...Most of all, we must be intentional in creating welcoming communities.”
www.startribune.com/vice-preside...

It is legal to seek asylum in the United States. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” To apply, you must first come to the U.S. There is no other way to apply for asylum.

#InFocus | In April, ICTJ and Bridges of Truth convened 7 community dialogues. For the first time in 14 yrs, Syrians publicly

✅ spoke about their experiences
✅ shared their hopes for the future
✅ discussed their needs

🧵👇

Dr. Paul Orieny is one of @cvt.org’s finest clinicians. His decades of work around the world with refugees and torture survivors is the epitome of humble humanitarian service.

CVT clinicians tell us that among many things that influence our mood, thoughts & behaviors are our social situations & family. People who face challenges are at higher risk for mental health concerns. In difficult times, it’s important to ask for help from family, friends & social organizations.

CVT clinicians tell us it’s important to take time to relax & do things we enjoy; this is an important part of healthy living. This can mean many things: relaxing, walking outdoors, dancing, eating food that's good for you. When we don’t take care of ourselves, it's challenging to support others.

“This moment calls us to do more – not only to serve but to listen, to partner in communities, to ensure that mental health is not an afterthought.” Dr. Paul Orieny, (right) sr clin advisor, accepts the 2025 Excellence in Global Mental Health & Refugee Wellness Award, African Mental Health Summit.

Opinion | Minnesota can lead again on refugees, just as Mondale did "As the world faces its largest displacement crisis since World War II — with more than 123 million people forced to flee their homes — Minnesota should take note of Mondale’s example," Alison Beckman...

NEW! “There is an overriding sense that in order to put America first, we must put everyone else last. In our state, we know that’s not true,” writes CVT's Alison Beckman in the @startribune.com commenting on Vice President Walter Mondale's work for refugees.
www.startribune.com/vice-preside...

Ending torture begins with solid policy. CVT advocates to prevent torture, bring accountability and support survivors. We need strong policies that increase support for healing and justice around the world.

Torture is not only used against an individual. It is used to create fear within communities. When someone is tortured, the family learns to be afraid. Fear spreads quickly – people learn not to speak up. That’s why healing is so important, for survivors but also for communities.

“Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s descriptions of his torture at the hands of the El Salvador government are horrifying. This is what human rights groups warned about – CECOT prison has been widely reported for serious human rights violations, including torture.” -Yumna Rizvi
www.cvt.org/statements/t...