Direct prevention (mitigation) aims to prevent torture by reducing the risk factors and eliminating possible causes. This intervention happens before torture takes place and aims to address the root causes that can lead to torture and illtreatment through training, education and regular monitoring of places of detention. Direct prevention is forward-looking and, over the long term, aims to create an environment where torture is not likely to occur. Indirect prevention (deterrence) takes place once cases of torture or illtreatment have already occurred and is focused on avoiding the repetition of such acts. Through investigation and documentation of past cases, denunciation, litigation, prosecution and sanction of the perpetrators, as well as reparation for victims, indirect prevention aims to convince potential torturers that the “costs” of torturing are greater than any possible “benefits”. Suggested reading Making Torture Prevention in the Philippines a Reality (Power point presentation, 5mb) Medical Action Group, Philippines www.irct.org/Admin/Public/DWSDownload.aspx?File=%2fFiles%2fFiler%2fPresentations +for+resource+kit%2fMaking+Torture+Prevention+in+the+Philippines+A+Reality.ppt Influencing Policy in the Philippines (Power point presentation, 412Kb) Medical Action Group, Philippines www.irct.org/Admin/Public/DWSDownload.aspx?File=%2fFiles%2fFiler%2fPresentations +for+resource+kit%2fMAG+Philippines+Policy+Influence.pptx 11