On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Support Network for Survivors of Torture (ReSST)—which brings together public and private entities as well as NGOs that offer specialized programs or services to assist those who have endured torture and other severe forms of violence—presented its first 2024 Annual Report.
Speaking about it at the Lancisiana Academy were: Giancarlo Santone, Director of SaMiFo; Silvia Capretti, ASL Roma 1 representative for the network; Salvatore Geraci, Caritas; Marina Castelli, MEDU; and XXX from Doctors Against Torture.
The network was established in December 2024 by the collaboration of Caritas, Center for Asylum Migration and International Cooperation (Ciac), Kasbah, Doctors Against Torture (MCT), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Doctors for Human Rights (MEDU), NAGA and SaMiFo ASL Roma 1 precisely for the purpose of informing and raising awareness about torture and its consequences, improving the availability and quality of services for the rehabilitation of survivors of torture, and promoting scientific research, training and professional development activities. In addition to the member institutions engaged in direct services for survivors of torture, A Buon Diritto, Amnesty International Italia, Antigone and SIMM – Società Italiana di Medicina delle Migrazioni (Italian Society of Migration Medicine) and a Committee of Experts, composed of Massimiliano Aragona, Cristina Cattaneo, Antonio Marchesi, Mauro Palma, Chiara Peri, Fabio Perocco, Gianfranco Schiavone and Kindi Talia, are also part of the Network as observers.
Torture is a universally prohibited practice, yet it remains present in over 140 countries and is often linked to the migration experience. In 2022 alone, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced, with extreme forms of violence frequently occurring during these forced movements.
The report highlights that in 2024, out of 2,618 cases handled, the percentage of male survivors was significantly higher than that of females, reaching 62.7%. Moreover, the majority of individuals had been subjected to torture in transit countries (64.6%), while 35.4% had experienced torture in their country of origin.
Among the motivations driving these degrading, violent, and inhuman treatments, economic reasons stand out (51%), followed by those related to political orientation (24%), with religious reasons ranking third (7%).
The report also highlights that physical and psychological torture are almost equal in number, accounting for 43% and 44% respectively. These acts are mainly carried out by traffickers (33%) and public officials (28%), while only 3% are attributed to employers.
Among the over 14,000 healthcare services provided, individual psychological consultations were the most requested (43%), followed by general medical services (34.2%). Social assistance consultations were also very high, accounting for 77%.
