Survivors’ Voices: Testimonies of Torture and Recovery
Testimony 1: “I Thought My Life Had Ended”
“I was detained for days without seeing a lawyer or my family. During interrogation, they beat me and kept me awake for long periods. At some point, I stopped feeling like a person—I was just trying to survive each moment.
After my release, I couldn’t sleep. Loud sounds made me panic. I avoided people, even my own family. I thought my life had ended.
Through CSHRD, I received psychosocial support and medical care. For the first time, someone listened without judging me. Slowly, I began to understand what had happened to me—and that it was not something I deserved.
Today, I am still healing, but I have regained a sense of dignity and hope. I am no longer silent.”
Testimony 2: “They Tried to Break Me”
“They beat me during questioning and forced me to confess to something I did not do. I remember thinking: if I say what they want, maybe it will stop.
When I got out, the pain did not end. My body hurt, but my mind was worse. I couldn’t trust anyone. I felt angry, confused, and lost.
CSHRD helped me access medical treatment and counselling. Step by step, I started to rebuild myself. They didn’t just treat my injuries—they helped me feel human again.
Now I can speak about what happened. That is something I never thought possible.”
Testimony 3: “From Silence to Strength”
“In detention, as a female, I was insulted, threatened, and beaten. I was too afraid to speak about it after my release. In my community, people don’t talk about these things.
I stayed silent for months, carrying everything inside.
When I connected with CSHRD, they provided a safe space where I could finally talk. The counselling sessions helped me understand my trauma. I also received support to reconnect with my daily life through the livelihoods program.
Today, I am stronger. I am not just a victim—I am someone who survived and is healing.”
Testimony 4: “Healing Is Possible”
“I left detention with injuries and fear. I thought no one would care about what I had been through.
But CSHRD reached out and supported me with both medical care and psychological rehabilitation. They followed up, checked on me, and made sure I was not alone.
Healing is not easy. Some days are still difficult. But now I know that recovery is possible, and that my story matters.”