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Survivors of Torture, International is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for survivors of politically-motivated torture and their families who live in San Diego County. Since 1997, SURVIVORS has helped more than 750 torture survivors from more than 55 countries to recover from their traumas through a holistic program including medical, dental, psychiatric, psychological, legal and social services. SURVIVORS empowers torture survivors to reclaim the strength and vitality that were stolen from them by brutal dictators and governments. The specialized care SURVIVORS provides these vulnerable individuals helps them to become self-sufficient and healthy members of their families and of our community.

The mission of Survivors of Torture, International also includes educating the professional communities and the general public about torture and the needs of torture survivors. Toward that end, SURVIVORS' staff members frequently speak in academic, professional, religious and community settings to share their firsthand knowledge of the devastating effects of torture and the benefits of treatment.

SURVIVORS maintains a coordinated effort at the local, state and national government levels to advocate on behalf of torture survivors and against the use of torture. Through advocacy and education SURVIVORS contributes to the goal of ending the use of torture.

SURVIVORS’ audit shows that we spent 91% of our funding on programs in fiscal year 2007.

All photography on this site courtesy of Tim Botsko.