companion house assisting survivors of torture and trauma working with people from a refugee...
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Companion House Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Working with people from a refugee
background
Glenn Flanagan
Companion House
Companion House is a government funded community-based organisation.
It was established in 1989 to care for survivors of torture and trauma who have sought refuge in Australia.
Companion House services
Medical Service Counselling and Advocacy (Early Intervention,
General Services and Children’s Services) Complementary therapy Community Development Training and Community Awareness Immigration Advice and Application Assistance
Ph: 6251 4550 web: www.companionhouse.org.au
What do you value most in your life?
Who is a refugee?
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who:
“Owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail him or herself of the protection of that country”.
(United Nations High Commission for Refugees Convention)
The Refugee Experience
Th
e R
efu
gee
Exp
erie
nce
Pre-flight
Th
e R
efu
gee
Exp
erie
nce
Flight/Exile
Th
e R
efu
gee
Exp
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nce
Refugee Camps
Th
e R
efu
gee
Exp
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nce
Settlement
What is unique about the refugee experience?
Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program
Total for 2010-2011: 13,750
Onshore Offshore
Authorised arrivals- With documents and visas
Mainstream refugee visas (200), women at risk (204)
6,000
Unauthorised arrivals- No documents, visas
Special Humanitarian Program (202)-Must be supported by a proposer-Proposer pays airfare and organises housing-7,750
Trauma
Trauma
.
Traumatic events overwhelm the ordinary systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection and meaning
Trauma impacts on the individual, the family and the community.
Trauma and Recovery Judith Herman
Key Components of the Trauma Reaction / Effects
of trauma Anxiety Feelings of
helplessness Loss of control
Relationships changed
Grief Depression
Shattering of previously held assumptions:
Loss of trust Meaning, identity
& future
Shame Guilt
Social & psychological experiences which lead
to the trauma reaction
Core components of the trauma reaction
Chronic Fear
Chronic Alarm
Inescapability
Unpredictability
Disruption of connections to family, friends, community & cultural beliefs
Anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of control
Relationships changed
Grief
Depression
Destruction of central values of human existence
Humiliation and degradation
Shattering of previously held assumptions: Loss of trust, meaning, identity & future
Guilt
Shame
Acts perpetrated by the persecutory
regime
Violence
Killings
Assaults
Disappearances
Death Separation Isolation Prohibition of traditional practices
Deprivation of human rights
Killing on mass scale
Exposure to boundless human brutality
Invasion of personal boundaries
Impossible choices
Social & psychological experiences which lead
to the trauma reaction
Core components of the trauma reaction
Chronic Fear
Chronic Alarm
Inescapability
Unpredictability
Disruption of connections to family, friends, community & cultural beliefs
Anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of control
Relationships changed
Grief
Depression
Destruction of central values of human existence
Humiliation and degradation
Shattering of previously held assumptions: Loss of trust, meaning, identity & future
Guilt
Shame
Settlement Challenges
Ongoing danger in country of origin
New unfamiliar environment
Fear about the future
Continuing separation from family
Loss of belonging in new dominant culture
Devaluing of person in new culture
Injustices
Exposure to ignorance and lack of understanding
Racial prejudice Inability to communicate Reliance on others and services
Social & psychological experiences which lead
to the trauma reaction
Core components of the trauma reaction
Chronic Fear
Chronic Alarm
Inescapability
Unpredictability
Disruption of connections to family, friends, community & cultural beliefs
Anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of control
Relationships changed
Grief
Depression
Destruction of central values of human existence
Humiliation and degradation
Shattering of previously held assumptions: Loss of trust, meaning, identity & future
Guilt
Shame
The Recovery Goals
Restore safety
Enhance control
Reduce fear & anxiety
Restore attachment & connections to others
Offer emotional support and care
Restore meaning and purpose to life
Restore dignity & value
Reduce excessive shame & guilty
Working cross culturally
Working cross culturally
There are many challenges which can arise with settlement
Trauma, the refugee experience and culture shock are all significant in their impact
Culture is protective and fosters well being, and cultural expression can be important
We should always be careful not to create cultural stereotypes, make generalizations or single out communities
Working cross culturally
Acknowledge the strengths and resilience of individuals, families and communities
Build relationships and trust with communities, families and individuals
Recognize that people from a refugee background are working cross culturally already
Use interpreters to ensure safety and dignity
Summary
Helplessness and isolation are the core experiences of psychological trauma
Empowerment and reconnection are the core experiences of recovery
Judith Herman Trauma and Recovery