Life's new dimensions

Clients from “SACH – Struggle for Change”, the rehabilitation centre for torture victims in Islamabad, Pakistan:

"My life was turned upside down after the incident with feelings of guilt, shame and low self-esteem. I continuously felt distrust. My trust in other people has been broken many times after the incidents - even by my own family who kept blaming me for whatever happened. But now after getting registered at the rehabilitation centre and having regular psychotherapy, counselling and entrepreneur training, I feel the energy is returning to me and I have started to get back to life, which, though difficult, is somewhat pleasurable as this has given new dimensions to my life."

"After coming to the shelter I could sleep, for the first night in a long time, without any fear of being raped.  I still remember those sleepless nights, after escaping Afghanistan, when my brother and I were homeless and we were sleeping under construction buildings, mosques, or even on the footpaths. They forwarded my case for resettlement which has been approved and we are planning to continue our studies in the USA. Efforts are also being made to arrange scholarships for our studies."

"I still wonder what type of human beings they were who brutally tortured me and many others, pushing me to the lowest level of humanity. I really felt anger, frustration, and many times I feel like either killing myself or killing someone else. I even had a very abusive attitude towards my family, which gives me the feeling of guilt. But after the therapeutic treatment at the rehabilitation centre, I can now manage my anger to some extent. My quality of life has improved with a much better atmosphere at home as a result. I am now very confident that I can manage different relationships in my life, both at home and at my work place."