Watson Coleman: “torture is a fundamental violation of human rights. It is an act that aims not only to destroy the body but to destroy a…”

“torture is a fundamental violation of human rights. It is an act that aims not only to destroy the body but to destroy a person's spirit, leaving a psychologically crippled victim as a warning to others in their community. Approximately 500,000 survivors of torture have found refuge in the United States, with many more around the world. The survivors of this terrible experience require treatment to recover from the effects of torture and to rebuild their shattered lives. Fortunately, we have the ability to provide such treatment. There are 30 torture treatment centers in the United States located in 16 states, all helping former victims to recover from the trauma they experienced. We in Minnesota are tremendously proud of the work of Minnesota's Center for Victims of Torture, a world leader in administering this kind of treatment. The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act will authorize $92 million in funding for both domestic and foreign treatment centers for victims of torture.”