Psychotherapist addresses torture

Speaking before a packed audience Tuesday night Dr. Elizabeth Lira, a renowned psychotherapist, spoke about her extensive work with torture victims. Her speech, entitled "Surviving in the Shadows of Torture and Terror," centered on the psychological implications of torture under the military dictatorship in Chile.

The political aims of torture according to Dr. Lira are "not to obtain information, but rather to destroy the capacity to organize resistance among those felt to be dangerous to the government." She explained that torture can be administered in many different manners including asphyxiation, beatings, extended sleep deprivation and sexual assault.

In all of the cases she has examined, Lira said, the responsible government denied any knowledge of the victims whereabouts or reasons for disappearance. One example of a recent torture technique is to give young people a sleeping drug, then place them in a coffin and hold a funeral. When the victim wakes up, it is as if he or she has been buried alive.

Lira said her focus has been to work with victims of torture in order to help them overcome the hatred and rage they have inside them. In order to overcome this trauma, she explained, victims must share emotions-often, family participation plays a key role in recovery. She added that through group work, victims are often able to accept love and hope for the future.

In addition, Lira said families of victims also have to deal with pain and acceptance. In many cases, loved ones have been missing for long periods of time and families may have lived for years without any information about them. The government may refuse to release any information about them, and place the blame on the missing person, leaving the family to mourn privately.

Many students felt that Lira's speech was powerful and perceptive. "Lira's speech was revealing from a psychological perspective," said Trinity junior Glenn Gutterman. "I spent last semester in Central America and was exposed to the pain and guilt of torture victims. She helped me to better comprehend the situation and it was encouraging to see someone so committed to helping victims worldwide."

Ariel Dorfman, professor of literature, has worked with Lira in the past and introduced her to the group. An exile from Chile, Dorfman once spent six weeks observing Lira and her colleagues. "It is significant that she came here," he said. "She has a wealth of experience and has worked with many individuals and groups."

Following her speech, Lira addressed a small group about the importance of looking at the victims of torture in a political context. She said that living in the United States, individuals may experience types of trauma that can result in the same symptoms as those of torture victims. She added, however, that the treatment for these victims differs greatly due to the differing political circumstances in this country. In contrast, victims of torture in a political dictatorship have psychological scars that are inherent to living in a repressed society.