[Torture as a medico-psychological and social problem]

To investigate and define the consequences of the torture in civilian survivors of state sponsored violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to point out that torture is not solely medical and psychological problem but also a social problem requiring various interventions of the society at large.

The study included 50 subjects who were survivors of torture. For registration of psychopathological symptoms, the Multidimensional Instrument for Symptoms Assessment SCL 90-R comprising 90 items divided in 9 subscales, (L.R. Derogates 1986) was used. The Mississippi Questionnaire containing 35 items, (Kean. et al. 1988) for the registration of the symptoms of the posttraumatic stress disorders, was used and Sociodemographic questionnaire for the registration of the sociodemographic characteristics of the subjects, was used.

Our research indicates statistically significant decline in social position of the survivors of the torture compared with their life situation before surviving the atrocities of the war their economic position is weaker, unemployment rate in this population reaches 82% compared with the rate of 24% before the war. They also survived the loss of a great number of family members. The subjects also presented with a variety of somatic and psychological symptoms.

Torture survivors comprise the most vulnerable group in the society after the war and they require multidisciplinary program for their psychosocial rehabilitation. This, comprehensive approach includes social and legal guarantees in order to protect their rights and interests.