The trauma of persecution

Responding to survivors of the post-traumatic wounds of extreme violence and inhumane treatment

Abstract

Many survivors of various forms of persecution carry the wounds and symptoms of post-traumatic stress and would benefit from evidence-based care and therapeutic assistance. This article refers mainly, but not exclusively, to survivors of war, torture, genocide, gender-based violence and false imprisonment. My premise is that organizations responding to issues of religious persecution need to think and act beyond the competent work that many are now doing in terms of communication, advocacy and basic spiritual and material assistance. A best practice standard for organisations that assist survivors of persecution is recommended.