A PUBLICATION BY THE VOLUNTEERS OF

THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR

VICTIMS OF TORTURE SCARBOROUGH BRANCH

A NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CCVT VOLUNTEERS DECEMBER 2015 Volume 5 Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcoming New Refugees..….2

Welcoming New Refugees..….3

Welcoming New Refugees.…..4

Clients’ Events……….....……. 5

CCVT AGM & Holiday Party....6

CCVT AGM & Holiday Party....7

Volunteer Opportunities…..... 8

Editors:

Jason Lawrence Rosemary Namuyomba Juliette Ntege

Contributors: Samar Ahmed Praveena Soundararajan Luxsiga Ambigaibagan

Editors’ Note:

The information provided in this publication is not

controlled by the CCVT, and therefore may not reflect the

Centre’s views.

Page 8 TRIUMPH OVER TORTURE!

CCVT Scarborough Branch hosted an Information Session on Friday

December 11th, 2015 from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. for all CCVT

Networks and Volunteers who were ready to join hands with CCVT

when welcoming the Syrian Refugees.

The Theme was: ‘Working with Refugees: Trauma, Settlement, Belonging’

The topics covered were: ’Gain a Better Understanding of the

Services provided by CCVT’, CCVT’s Experience in Supporting

and Delivering Services to the Arabic Community with a Focus on

Support Groups and Therapeutic Interventions’; ‘Supporting

Traumatized Seniors’.

This Information Session was facilitated by CCVT Staff named Samar

Ahmed, Praveena Soundararajan, Trauma Settlement Counsellors,

and Juliette Ntege, Youth Settlement Worker and Volunteer

Coordinator.

Main Office:

194 Jarvis Street

2nd Floor

Toronto, ON

M5B 2B7

Tel: (416) 363-1066

Fax: (416) 363-2122

Email: mabai@ccvt.org

Website: www.ccvt.org

Scarborough Branch:

2401Eglinton Avenue E.

Suite 310

Scarborough, ON

M1K 2N8

Tel: (416) 750-3045

Fax: (416) 750-4990

CCVT at The HUB:

1527 Victoria Park Ave. E.

2nd Floor

Scarborough, ON M1L 2T3

Tel: (647) 847-2334

Tel: (647) 847-2335

Tel: (647) 847-2336

Fax: (416) 750-9200

CCVT 3 Locations:

1. Homework Club Tutors: Mondays and Fridays - High School students Grade 9 - 12 Time: 4.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. (Chemistry, Physics,

Biology, Math and English) • Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - Children from Grade 3 – 8 Time: 4.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.

2. One-on-One ESL Tutors-Monday –Friday (between 9-4.00p.m. for 2 hours) -Young Adults & Seniors, time will be set.

3. Computer Basics & Intermediate Tutors–Monday-Friday Morning class 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. afternoon 12.30p.m.- 1.30 p.m.

4. Teaching Assistants for the 2 ESL Classes supervised by TDSB Teachers–Monday-Thursday in the Morning from 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and Afternoon from 1.00 p.m.—4.00 p.m.

5. English Group Conversation Practice facilitators– for the Support Group on Fridays from 12.30 – 1.30 p.m.

6. Befrienders (A Special Friend) – A Volunteer is matched with a CCVT Client to provide on-going personal, non-professional support i.e. basic information, life skills, general assistance to help the c client adjust to the life in a new country.

7. Escorts/Interpreters – Volunteers accompany clients to appointments with Physicians, Specialists, lawyers and Social Service agencies; also will be required during the onsite sessions. You must be fluent in the English language.

8. Office Support: Front Desk Help as a Receptionist; Writing Monthly Newsletter for the Branch; helping with organizing Social Events; etc.

9. Public Education - Volunteers accompany staff to Community Events and Volunteer Fairs to outreach about the services of CCVT.

10. Food Handlers – To help on a Food delivery day with distributing the food/groceries to clients (Wednesdays from 10.00 a.m. – 1 p.m.).

11. Social Events Help during Holiday Parties, Picnic, Volunteer Nights, etc.

Volunteer Opportunities

At CCVT Scarborough Location

For more information or to get involved with any of these programs, please contact Juliette Ntege, Volunteer Coordinator,

CCVT Scarborough Branch, at 416-750-3045 ext. 205 Email: jntege@ccvt.org.

Did you resign? To be removed from the mailing list, please use the same contact.

Page 2 Page 7

Volunteers’ Events ‘Working with Refugees: Trauma, Settlement, Belonging’

The Presentation on December 11th, 2015 By Samar Ahmed and Praveena Soundararajan, CCVT Settlement Trauma Counselors

WHO WE ARE

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) is a non-profit, founded by several Toronto doctors, lawyers and social service professionals, many of whom were associated with Amnesty International.

OUR MANDATES

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture(CCVT) aids survivors to overcome the lasting effects of torture

and war. In

partnership with the community, the centre supports survivors in the process of successful integration into

Canadian society, works for their protection and integrity, and raises awareness of the continuing effects of

torture and war on survivors and their families. The CCVT gives hope after the horror.

Who do we serve

We see clients from many countries who are survivors of war and torture including, men and women from all

social classes, age groups, religions, sexual orientations and professions

Definition of Torture …

Torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on the survivors, their families

and their communities. Methods of torture are numerous, including beating, burning, electric shock, rape,

mutilation, mock execution, sensory deprivation and the forced observation of the torture of friends and family

(UN, 1998; CCVT, n.d.).

SETTLEMENT SERVICES

Essential to the process of recovery is a positive resettlement process

information/orientation, interpretation/translation, employment-related issues and referrals to resources

relating to the economic, social, cultural, educational and recreational facilities that could contribute to the

initial settlement of the client.

Counsellors also provide referrals and information about and access to housing, social assistance, citizenship,

health plans, income tax, skills training and applications for family reunification and sponsorships.

Many clients require lengthy interviews and assistance to clarify misunderstandings, mediate conflicts,

facilitate access to services, validate stories of torture, and to support them during crisis.

SERVICES AT CCVT

Mental health; Supportive counseling; Support Groups; Crisis intervention ;

Coordinated professional services (providing the link between the survivor of torture and a network of

professional services which includes doctors, lawyers, social service workers and volunteers)

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Child and Youth Program counsellor provides specialized settlement services, recreational and empowerment

activities that incorporate conflict resolution, mentoring, peer support and story-telling.

Homework club

Summer quest

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)

The program and its curriculum are especially designed for survivors. Classes at the centre are small and

informal. They are in comfortable surroundings and have a calm, non-threatening atmosphere.

Literacy classes and individual tutoring are provided as part of the program. The ESL classes at the CCVT can

help reduce a survivor's isolation, providing him or her with emotional encouragement and support.

The CCVT AGM & Holiday Party 2015

The Annual General

Meeting [AGM] and

Holiday Party was

organized by CCVT

staff and took place on

Sunday, December

13th, 2015. This event

was a get-together of

the CCVT Community

with their family

members. The CCVT

Community includes

clients, staff, the Board of Directors,

volunteers and well-wishers to celebrate the

holiday season and end of year 2015.

The AGM & Holiday Party began with a few

words from Mulugeta Abai, the Executive

Director who spoke about the contributions

of every member of the CCVT community.

He introduced the Board of Directors to the

gathering and gave a brief description on

their roles in the community and at CCVT.

Next there were two clients who spoke

about their experiences of being members

of CCVT. The clients were thankful for the

continued support from the staff in their time

of need. One of the speakers, a young lady

opened up to the group about how CCVT

has encouraged her to fulfill her education

and the importance that education plays in

the individuals goal to achieve great things.

Another speaker elaborated on her

experience as a victim of war and how she

witnessed many things prior to coming to

Canada. She expressed that CCVT has given

her the motivation and inspiration to always

learn new things and pursue a career as a

Personal Support Worker (PSW). The key

theme in both speeches was the significant

changes clients gain through CCVT support

and engagement during the learning

process of post-migration.

After the commencement of the speeches

lunch was served! What an excitement that

was! Clients, staff and volunteers shared a

delicious meal together as one big family!

The real sense of connection was made.

As Anthony Bourdain said “you learn a lot

about someone when you share a meal

together”. I felt as this quote rang true to the

experience I felt as a placement student

sharing a meal with my clients, you truly do

learn about your clients through a different

lens.

The party had music, arts and crafts and

most importantly it gave the clients an

opportunity to share stories and

experiences amongst one another. But, no

party is ever over without gifts! Gifts were

distributed to all the children of CCVT. Staff

ensured no child was left out and that every

child had an age appropriate gift for the

holidays. Every child left with a happy grin

on their face as they headed home. Parents

left with appreciative smiles and joy as they

escorted their children.

Overall, CCVT held a great event that

brought all its members together for the

holiday seasons. It was clear that through

the tireless efforts of the staff and volunteers,

clients were given the opportunity to feel a

sense of community within a diverse

population. I was glad I was able to be a part

of it this year.

Luxsiga Ambigaibagan, B.S.W.

Student Placement, CCVT Scaborough Branch

Page 6 Page 3

The CCVT AGM & Holiday Party 2015

at Bickford Centre

777 Bloor Str. W. (Christie/Bloor)

Volunteers’ Events The Presentation…(continued…)

COMPUTER TRAINING

The computer training enables CCVT clients to develop their computer literacy and proficiency, which

facilitates their access to the Canadian job market.

BEFRIENDING PROGRAM

Befrienders provide non-professional support to survivors of torture. Volunteers meet with a client 3 hours /

week to develop a friendship within a social context away from the institution and to help with settlement,

language, orientation and community building.

ESCORTING/INTERPRETING PROGRAM

Volunteers escort clients to various appointments, including to doctor's, lawyer's and social worker's offices to

help facilitate communication. Appointments last on average 1-2 hours and are during business hours in the

Toronto area.

Potential Triggers

encounters with officials (especially those in uniform, such as hospital staff, police, immigration officials, etc.)

signing forms (some of which state that false declarations may result in prosecution, fines or imprisonment—cautions a survivor cannot take lightly)

disclosing personal or family details (even date of birth, residential address, etc.)

admission to hospitals (especially psychiatric hospitals, which may resemble prisons)

doctors (whom they may have encountered in prison advising the torturers about how much abuse the victim could endure or how to cause maximum pain without killing the victim)

staff of government agencies (whom they may fear will report their activities to government security agencies that will pass the information on to representatives of the governments from which they fled).

Torture

The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment defines

torture as:

“...any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person

for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act

he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a

third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by

or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an

official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful

sanctions” (UN, 1984).

Torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on the survivors, their families

and their communities. Methods of torture are numerous, including beating, burning, electric shock, rape,

mutilation, mock execution, sensory deprivation and the forced observation of the torture of friends and family

(UN, 1998; CCVT, n.d.).

How to help survivors of Torture... Things you can do

Inform yourself and become knowledgeable about general issues connected with torture.

Inform yourself and become knowledgeable about the specific realities in particular countries.

Identify possible symptoms of illness or disorder and refer the survivor to appropriate professionals. Extend

the evaluation to the survivor's spouse, children and other family members.

continued……………..4

TRIUMPH OVER TORTURE!

Page 5

Clients’ Events in December 2015 How to help survivors of Torture…Things to avoid

Be careful about making assumptions or applying personal biases. Be aware that your first line of defense may

be to simplify things so that you won't be disturbed or frightened by the discovery that phenomena associated

with torture are the norm rather than the exception.

Don't feel that because the survivor appears to be functioning well and not having any special problems that he

or she has fully recovered. In fact, the reintegration process can wax and wane. The fluctuating nature of the

process allows for the survivor to achieve adaptation and ability functioning in some areas, while at the same

time leaving other areas untouched.

Don't rush things or jump to conclusions, and don't offer more help than what is strictly necessary. Be available

through empathetic understanding and in time, your availability will be greatly appreciated.

Don't consider the basic needs of a person who has been tortured as being different from the basic needs of

any individual. However, do identify the special needs that arise out of the extreme situation survivors have

lived through, as well as needs connected with being exiled as a refugee to another, unfamiliar, country.

Older Refugees

Often arrive later to join their families who are settled in Canada.

Seniors come to Canada under family class program, mostly sponsored by their adult children

Trauma on Physical and Mental Health of Seniors Older adults are at high risk of mental health problems due to a number of unique challenges that affect their

mental health and well-being (RHRC, 2005; OWHN, 2007; Spence & Koehn, 2010).

experiences of forced displacement, long periods of displacement, exposure to diseases

Common mental health problems include PTSD, anxiety and depression. Health care providers frequently

overlook or misdiagnose the symptoms associated with these disorders in senior refugees because of this

population’s age, their low visibility and the presence of cultural and linguistic barriers (Refugee Health

Research Centre, 2005).

Older adults are at high risk of mental health problems due to a number of unique challenges that affect their

mental health and well-being (RHRC, 2005; OWHN, 2007; Spence & Koehn, 2010).

PSYCHOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS

Social Isolation - a loss of social networks

- a lack of trust in others due to experiences of persecution and corruption in their countries of origin

- limited mobility resulting from physical limitations, financial difficulties and fear of unfamiliar environment

- Low employment contribution

- memory problems.

Language Barrier Solutions

Senior support program at CCVT ; English Conversation class; Yoga meditation group

PUBLIC EDUCTION The Centre answers individual inquiries from community groups, students, researchers, and professionals. They conduct

numerous seminars and workshops, particularly for those working with survivors of torture as well as attend

and present at conferences both nationally and internationally.

Associated members of the CCVT carry out public education as well. Many conduct research in partnership

with educational institutions such as University of Toronto and York University, publish in academic journals

and the popular media, and speak publicly on torture related issues.

The CCVT works closely with Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), refugee law offices and the

UNHCR, as well as various university faculties such as Social Work, Medicine and Law.

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

The CCVT has supported the efforts of three clinics in Central America which offer treatment to children

traumatized by the continuing violence in the region. The Centre has provided partnership with the Imbali

Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa and the Ethiopian Centre for Survivors of Torture. The projects are

supported by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Torture Victims. CCVT also provides support and training

to centres in Africa, Asia and Europe, and participates in conferences and workshops throughout the world

LIP: is a community partnership focused on developing and implementing local settlement strategies that

coordinate and enhance service delivery to newcomers while promoting innovation and efficient use of

resources. There are: The East Downtown Toronto LIP and The Toronto South LIP.

Page 4

The Presentation…(continued…)

The Homework Club Holiday Party On December 16, 2015

The Support Group Holiday Party, on December 10, 2015

The ESL Class Holiday Party On December 16, 2015