[The treatment of torture and war victims]

Torture is a means of repression in non democratic societies. Although banned, it is widely practised. About 30% of the refugees recognized 1987 in Switzerland were tortured. Torture and war lead to severe bio-psycho-social sequels which are described as "post traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD). This can be treated. Several centres for treatment of torture victims were recently established in many countries since health workers and health care providers felt helpless facing the consequences of torture and asked for professional support. The foundation of the Swiss Red Cross Therapy Centre for victims of torture was the response to their demand in Switzerland. The centre offers a wide range of therapies for victims of torture and training for health personnel. It further aims to facilitate the establishment of more institutions of this kind.