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One Client's Story

The following is the story of Joseph, a SURVIVORS' client. His story is similar to that of many asylum seekers.

In Joseph's home country, the minority religious group to which his family belonged was systematically persecuted by the government. As a teenager he saw older family members arrested and tortured for suspected disloyalty to the repressive regime. While studying at the university, Joseph was constantly harassed and even prevented from pursuing his chosen career. Soon after he left the university, Joseph was arrested and tortured.

In prison Joseph was held in a damp cell without a mattress, blanket, or sanitary facilities. The food he was given was rancid. He was interrogated repeatedly about the suspected activities of family members, threatened with death, and beaten to unconsciousness.

Through bribery, Joseph's parents managed to obtain his release from prison and a passport he could use to leave the country. After a long and frightening journey, Joseph arrived in San Diego and requested political asylum.

Once in San Diego, Joseph found temporary shelter - a mattress on the floor - with a friend from his homeland. His food supply, however, was uncertain and he had no blankets to keep himself warm at night. Knowing the difficulties Joseph was having, the lawyer preparing his case referred Joseph to SURVIVORS. SURVIVORS' case manager immediately made arrangements to provide Joseph with food and warmth.

During his psychological evaluation, a SURVIVORS' therapist found that Joseph was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression severe enough to make everyday tasks difficult. The friend with whom Joseph was staying also met with his therapist and became a part of his psychological care program. Joseph was sent immediately to SURVIVORS' psychiatrist, who started him on antidepressant medication and saw him regularly to evaluate his progress.

Joseph's agitation and depression slowly improved, and he began to be able to remember and share details about his torture. SURVIVORS' therapist encouraged Joseph to share, as detailed knowledge was essential for successfully preparing his asylum case. The therapist carefully documented Joseph's symptoms of PTSD and depression, and their onset after the torture. The affidavit she wrote detailing the trauma Joseph had suffered served as important legal evidence in support of his petition for political asylum.

A volunteer physician examined Joseph and wrote an affidavit stating that his scars and musculoskeletal problems were consistent with severe beatings. The affidavit served as a legal document at Joseph's asylum hearing.

As a result of the beatings he suffered in prison, Joseph required rehabilitative care to treat his muscle and joint pain. He also required the services of an optometrist to replace the glasses he had lost while imprisoned. SURVIVORS' case manager arranged transportation to Joseph's medical appointments while he was still too depressed and fearful to travel alone in the city. The skilled interpreters who accompanied Joseph to appointments were essential to providing him with quality services.

When Joseph's depression began to lift, he decided to join a Healing Club outing. For the first time since his torture, he felt some pleasure again in being outdoors and physically active.

Thanks to SURVIVORS' supporters, Joseph has received the services and care he so desperately needed. His political asylum case was successful, and now he is on his way to making a new life for himself in San Diego. While he continues to need treatment for post-traumatic and depressive symptoms, Joseph is sleeping better and is able to concentrate in English classes.