Many refugees and people seeking asylum have survived torture, trafficking, sexual violence or other serious human rights abuses. The effects can be devastating, including chronic pain, trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Yet many survivors are never asked about what has happened to them in their home countries or on their journey to the UK when they come into contact with healthcare services.

 

When past harms are not recognised, health needs can be missed, safeguarding risks can go unseen, and important information may never be recorded in medical notes. This can affect not only a person’s care, but also their access to protection, support, and rehabilitation.

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TortureID’s mission is to improve early identification, documentation, and clinical responses for refugees and people seeking asylum who are survivors of torture and other human rights abuses, so that they can access healthcare and realise rehabilitation.

 

We help put this into practice by supporting clinicians and services to ask safely about harm, recognise trauma, record clinical information clearly, identify health and safeguarding needs, and respond with care.

 

Our long-term aim is to help build a healthcare system in the UK where survivors are recognised earlier, clinical information is used safely and effectively, and trauma-informed care becomes part of everyday practice.