Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Torture. 16 May 2025; Volume 35 (Issue 1); DOI:10.7146/torture.v35i1.152347
Cassone M, Lessard N, Perez Amez B
Torture. 16 May 2025; Volume 35 (Issue 1); DOI:10.7146/torture.v35i1.152347
This case series discusses three instances of telefono-type physical violence collected during a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) mission rescuing migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Libya. These cases demonstrate the various sequelae of ear-cuffing, including subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, tympanic membrane rupture, and infection in this under-studied type of physical violence. The authors hope this case series further demonstrates the importance of awareness and recognition of subtle presentations of different types of torture.
Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
Torture. 16 May 2025; Volume 35 (Issue 1); DOI:10.7146/torture.v35i1.156547
Bertotto M, Perocco F, Santone G
Torture. 16 May 2025; Volume 35 (Issue 1); DOI:10.7146/torture.v35i1.156547
Journal Article > Case Report/SeriesAbstract Only
J Forensic Leg Med. 1 January 2021; Volume 77; 102085.; DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102085
Alqassab S, Mathieu L
J Forensic Leg Med. 1 January 2021; Volume 77; 102085.; DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102085
The authors report an unusual case of hand electrical injury related to torture in a war refugee. The patient was referred for the reconstruction of bilateral hand function several years after being tortured. He presented with severe hand contractures combined with motor and sensory loss. After nonoptimal treatment in the acute period, the reconstruction options were limited by the delayed management. This unique clinical presentation can be explained by repetition of prolonged electrical shocks using a low-voltage current.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int Health. 6 October 2020; Volume 13 (Issue 2); 89-97.; DOI:10.1093/inthealth/ihaa068
Keshk M, Harrison RE, Kizito W, Psarra C, Owiti P, et al.
Int Health. 6 October 2020; Volume 13 (Issue 2); 89-97.; DOI:10.1093/inthealth/ihaa068
BACKGROUND
Médecins Sans Frontières set up a clinic to provide multidisciplinary care to a vulnerable migrant population experiencing torture. We describe the population accessing care, the characteristics of care provided and patient outcomes.
METHODS
A descriptive retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in care during January 2017-June 2019 was conducted.
RESULTS
Of 2512 victims of torture cases accessing the clinic, the male: female ratio was 1:1. About 67% of patients received medical care, mostly for chronic pain treatment. About 73% of patients received mental healthcare, 37% received physiotherapy and 33% received social support care; 49% came to the clinic upon the recommendation of a friend or family member. The discharge with improvement rate ranged from 23% in the mental health service to 9% in the sociolegal service. Patients retained in care had a median IQR of 3 (2-4) follow-up visits for medical care, 4 (2-7) for mental health, 6 (3-10) for physiotherapy and 2 (1-4) for sociolegal.
CONCLUSION
Care for victims of torture cases among vulnerable migrants is complex. For those who did receive care that led to an improvement in their condition, their care models have been described, to allow its implementation in other non-specialised settings.
Médecins Sans Frontières set up a clinic to provide multidisciplinary care to a vulnerable migrant population experiencing torture. We describe the population accessing care, the characteristics of care provided and patient outcomes.
METHODS
A descriptive retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in care during January 2017-June 2019 was conducted.
RESULTS
Of 2512 victims of torture cases accessing the clinic, the male: female ratio was 1:1. About 67% of patients received medical care, mostly for chronic pain treatment. About 73% of patients received mental healthcare, 37% received physiotherapy and 33% received social support care; 49% came to the clinic upon the recommendation of a friend or family member. The discharge with improvement rate ranged from 23% in the mental health service to 9% in the sociolegal service. Patients retained in care had a median IQR of 3 (2-4) follow-up visits for medical care, 4 (2-7) for mental health, 6 (3-10) for physiotherapy and 2 (1-4) for sociolegal.
CONCLUSION
Care for victims of torture cases among vulnerable migrants is complex. For those who did receive care that led to an improvement in their condition, their care models have been described, to allow its implementation in other non-specialised settings.