about us
OUR WORK
The practice of torture takes place throughout the world. Oppressive governments make use of torture to intimidate or silence their critics, to bolster authoritarian rule, to create an environment of fear, or to extract information.
Torture takes many forms, and its consequences—physical, emotional, and psychological—can be devastating.
Devastating as well are the many forms of violence that affect individuals caught amid warring sides in conflict. In order to assert power and instill terror among target groups, combatants commit rape and other forms of gender-based violence, maim and kill civilians, destroy communities, or abduct young children who are then forced to become soldiers in their cause.
Recovering from the effects of torture and war-related violence can be a long and difficult process. Access to specialized care, appropriate social services and emotional support can help survivors regain a sense of safety and begin to rebuild their lives.
ASTT provides comprehensive, holistic services for survivors of torture and war trauma who live in the Baltimore-Washington region. We are dedicated to fostering a process of healing that enables survivors to rediscover their sense of hope for the future.