ANALYSIS OF TREATMENT METHODS FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE IN KENYA AND EAST- AFRICAN REGION
By Ruthie Rono, Samson Munywoki and Ganesh P. Pokhariyal
School of Arts & Sciences, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi
School of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In this paper, a comparative study of Multi-Sensory Trauma Processing (MTP) and Conventional Treatment (CT) on victims of torture/trauma (VOTs) for Kenyan citizens and refugees from East African Region has been undertaken. Kenyan VOTs were selected from the rosters of People Against Torture (PAT) and Release Political Prisoners (RPP). Refugee VOTs were selected from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Urban Refugee Program implemented by GOAL, Kenya. Participants were randomly assigned to the two (MTP and CT) conditions and the Stress State Inventory (SSI) scores were used to measure changes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Data values for 34 Kenyan and 35 refugees VOTs were recorded and analyzed. The study confirms the occurrence of PTSD in both samples. The results revealed that PTSD prevalence was 56% among Kenyans and 77% among refugees VOTs. Both treatments reduced SSI scores and PTSD symptoms in the subjects. The study provides preliminary evidence that MTP was more effective for Kenyan sample whereas CT appears to be more effective for refugee sample in PTSD treatment.
Additional comments taken from research report: “All of the counselors were positive about the imagery work done in MTP to rid clients of disturbing memories of tortures and instill in clients ideas of a positive, happy and healthy future. It was observed that clients related well to imageries that were relevant and had meaning in their lives and culture. Counselors were advised to use imageries that incorporate some hearing sensation." “The MTP counselors reported that "tapping" the client resulted in immediate relief for many of the VOTs. The tapping during the retelling of the trauma story provided a physical connection between the helper and helpee, allowing the helper to physically be present with the helpee during the review of traumatic material. Counselors identified that tapping helped facilitate client communication in very difficult situations. It helped calm hysterical clients and assisted counselors to get more information as to what really happened during torture experiences.” “All of the counselors acknowledged that MTP worked well, often giving dramatic results. It was appreciated for the imagery work, which makes it easier for clients to let go of their conflicts, breaks defense mechanisms, and deals with material at an unconscious level. They often continue to fear for their safety and usually have difficulty in having their basic needs met." Findings in this study confirm a previous conclusion that one can get rid of [more] traumatic symptoms provided the client feels safe and the majority of their life issues have been addressed (Davis, personal communication). This is clearly evident when comparing Graphs 1 and 2 with Graphs 3 and 4. Comment by Dr. Davis: "When this research was designed, I predicted that the torture victims who lived in refugee camps in Kenya would respond more to supportive therapy that could provide them with the psychological and actual tools they needed to deal with life issues than to MTP. In order for a victim to process traumatic memories, he or she must feel safe. Torture victims living in Kenyan refugee camps had been natives of other countries before violence and war forced them to flee to safety in Kenya. The homes and means of support of these refugees were gone. They often had no idea if family members had survived the violence in their countries, and if they had, where they were living. It was not unusual for a refugee to have witnessed family members or friends being murdered. In addition, conditions in these refugee camps were often less than ideal. Violence and rape in these camps was not uncommon.
In order for any treatment technique to process the symptoms and experiences which led the victim to be in PTSD, they must first feel safe and actually be safe. Given the life experiences of the treatment subjects living in Kenyan refugee camps and their living conditions, it was clear that the majority of these refugees did not feel safe and, in reality, were often not safe. For this reason, the prediction that MTP would not be as effective as supportive therapy and education was supported by this research project. The torture victims living in Kenya did not have the same issues of safety or loss of family and economic support. MTP was found to be more effective than conventional therapy for this group."