Citation

Reyes H. Torture 2022; 32(1/2): 43-83.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims)

DOI

10.7146/torture.v32i1-2.131538

PMID

35950419

Abstract

The paper summarises some highpoints from my past field experience of thirty years, to il-lustrate different issues, difficulties and best practices when visiting prisoners. I recount some of my most relevant experiences, both positive and negative, with individuals who had been tortured, interviewing and exam-ining them whilst they were still in custody. They might be of interest to younger genera-tions of physicians working on these issues.The examples, all from the field, should demonstrate the importance of showing true "empathy" for the victims, so as to obtain their trust - and hence their stories. The examples are as varied as have been the different settings and encounters with both victims and perpe-trators. I have tried to illustrate the many pit-falls to avoid, and provide suggestions on how best to avoid them.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; *Torture; *Physicians; *Prisoners; Empathy