The Center for Victims of Torture - Georgia

Mary’s story of hope

 Mary, came to CVT Georgia, after fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mary and her five children were forced to seek safety in the U.S. after her husband was murdered during the civil war. Mary’s torture, which involved sexual assault, caused severe post-traumatic stress disorder, deep depression, and a long-lasting physical disability. Even though she was physically safe in Georgia, Mary faced many challenges navigating her new home, including accessing needed basic resources. The mental and physical scars left by her torture made it difficult for her to keep her job and house, and caring for her children was especially hard. But Mary was determined to give herself and her children a future to be hopeful about, so she sought out help from CVT. She began intensive case management and psychotherapy services, and slowly her hopelessness began to fade away.

Then the Coronavirus pandemic hit, and Mary found herself alone and isolated. Like so many other survivors, the constant fear and axienty brought on by the pandemic is triggering for Mary, bringing her back to the torture she endured. Mary had terrible nightmares and flashbacks, and her feelings of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness worsened.

Finding healing during Coronavirus

 For more than 30 years, caring support from people like you has helped Mary and others like her recover from their wounds, rebuild their lives and rediscover hope for the future.

In response to the pandemic, CVT has been able to provide clients with the technology needed to continue their therapy sessions virtually, which has proven to be a successful alternative to meeting in-person. With the help of CVT GA, Mary’s mental health symptoms are greatly improving. She learned coping mechanisms to deal with the added stressors of the pandemic and she was able to manage her pain. At the end of one of her teleheath sessions, Mary told her therapist: "I feel more hopeful for the future. I am thankful for CVT’s services because I know that someone still cares about me.”

You are a welcoming light for survivors of torture

It will take $4.6 million in the coming year to say yes to tens of thousands of survivors around the world waiting for or already receiving care from CVT. We invite you to support CVT’s work of hope and healing, and to be a beacon of light during these unprecedented times. Your support will help fully fund our mission, while also paying for additional expenses incurred because of COVID-19, which include technology and essential items such as food for clients.

Survivors who find CVT find healing. We don’t do this work alone. We do this because of compassionate friends like you. We will continue to say yes to many people just like Mary, thanks to your support.