THEMATIC REPORT 2017 SEXUAL TORTURE INTRODUCTION Drawing on valuable insights from interviews with clinical and legal experts from 17 member centres who are part of the DFI project, the following report presents the complex and far reaching consequences of sexual torture, and the subsequent need for holistic and specialised rehabilitation. The report will illustrate the extent to which sexual torture can impact the victim. Many of the victims treated by the centres suffer from long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which includes symptoms such as recurrent flashbacks, severe anxiety, insomnia and nightmares, memory lapses, aggressive behaviour, and depression. Equally, the physical consequences of sexual abuse are also widespread and impactful, and can include anal or urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, genital fistulae, severe bleeding, or unwanted pregnancies, often accompanied by the effects of illegal abortions. The impact of sexual torture extends far beyond immediate bodily and psychological pain. Victims of sexual torture often feel intense humiliation, self-disgust, shame, guilt and worthlessness. Due to the strong stigmatisation of sexuality in many societies, disclosure can be a lengthy process and hamper rehabilitation. Sexual torture therefore, can deeply corrode the personal identity of victims. In addition, it affects their ability to sustain familial and social relationships, pursue employment and maintain daily routines. Given the multi-faceted consequences of sexual torture, holistic rehabilitation is essential if survivors are to regain their health and ability to form relationships. This requires a complex range of immediate and comprehensive services that range from medical support and psychological counselling to family and community interventions, as well as legal and economic assistance. Successful rehabilitation can empower the beneficiary and re-establish their trust in society. In doing so, broader social consequences of torture can be prevented and the community can develop greater resilience when dealing with similar situations in the future. In many countries, and for different reasons, the public health system does not meet the needs of survivors of sexual torture. Consequently, torture rehabilitation centres are crucial in providing victims with the help they need. In conclusion, this report provides recommendations that define the areas in which the right to rehabilitation and rehabilitation services themselves can be accommodated and ensured. page 5 The impact of sexual torture extends far beyond immediate bodily and psychological pain. Victims of sexual torture often feel intense humiliation, self-disgust, shame, guilt and worthlessness. Due to the strong stigmatisation of sexuality in many societies, disclosure can be a lengthy process and hamper rehabilitation.