Torturers and Victims: The Psychology of Torture / Bourreaux et Victimes: Psychologie de la torture

No experience can be more terrifying than torture. It is a disturbing subject, shrouded in heavy silence. Both victims of torture and torturers often refuse to talk about their experiences. In many countries, the study of torture itself and of its consequences is not without risk. Françoise Sironi has had an extended experience in treating torture victims. Her book is the result of a thorough study of many cases. In order to help victims overcome the psychological after-effects of torture, she believes that it is essential to understand the mechanI'ms of torture: How is it possible to influence someone to the point of forcing them to confess, reveal information and betray others? Physical violence alone does not suffice. The mechanI'ms of torture can only be understood by an examination of how torturers are "created" What is it that makes some people capable of torturing others and of inflicting such pain and cruelty? In order to effectively combat the existence of torture, more than a simple denunciation of violence and brutality is required. Survivors must be helped in their struggle to lead a "normal" life. And as Sironiedemonstrates, this means entering the mental universe of the perpetuators of torture. Understanding the psychology of torture ? of both victims and their torturers ? means understanding how one human being can affect another's mied.Françoise Sironi is a lecturer in clinical psychology and psychopathology at the University of Paris-VIII. She was recently named director of the Georges Devereux Centre for Ethnopsychiatry at the University of Paris-VIII. She was formerly a psychologist and psychotherapist at the Hôpital de Ville Evrard and has worked with an association for exiled victims of repression. She is the co-founder of the Centre Primo Levi, which specialises in the treatment of victims of torture and collective violence.