History

In 1987 a group of concerned people and organizations including Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and National Immigrant Justice Center, Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Amnesty International, philanthropist Peter Kovler, psychologists of the Illinois Psychological Association, physicians of John Stroger, Jr. Hospital, and survivors who had experienced torture before fleeing to the United States, established the Marjorie Kovler Center, a program of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights.

Mission

The Marjorie Kovler Center of Heartland Alliance helps survivors of torture overcome trauma and begin a life without fear through medical, mental health, emergency, and a wide range of other support services. Assistance is provided by staff, volunteers and by referral to other human service organizations. All services provided by the Marjorie Kovler Center are free of charge.

People Served

Since 1987, the Marjorie Kovler Center has worked with more than 1,600 survivors of torture from 74 different countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Last year 357 individuals from 56 countries received services.

What is Torture?

Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe physical or psychological pain carried out by anyone acting in an official capacity for purposes of extracting a confession, punishment, intimidation, or discrimination. Torture exerts control over people and communities to create a cycle of fear, intimidation, and alienation.

Impact of Torture

Survivors of torture normally suffer from a complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which is manifested by anxiety, distrust, depression, flashbacks, intrusive memories related to the traumatic event, memory problems, and often a range of physical symptoms.

Treatment

The goal of torture is to disempower individuals and communities. The goal of treatment, therefore, is to empower survivors to use their strengths and regain independence and personal control over their lives. Clients receive psychological counseling and medical assistance as required. Many survivors who recently arrived in the United States also need assistance with food, housing, and employment. The Marjorie Kovler Center helps survivors restore trust in others and re-establish a sense of community.