Citation

Allodi F, Stiasny S. Can. J. Psychiatry 1990; 35(2): 144-148.

Affiliation

Transcultural Psychiatry Division, Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2317742

Abstract

This study investigates the frequency, severity, modalities, and mental health consequences of torture in 28 Latin American refugee women in Toronto, Canada. Information on these women was gathered from case records in a hospital outpatient clinic. The case histories of 28 male Latin American refugees and victims of political persecution and torture were used as control for this study. The findings support the hypotheses presented. Women, who are politically persecuted, are tortured less frequently than men are. There is also an association between the sex of the victim and the techniques employed in torture. Findings also indicate that the occurrence and severity of torture in women depend on the degree of political participation. Lastly, sexually tortured women manifest greater psychological and sexual dysfunction.

Language: en