Article

Civilization and torture : beyond the medical and psychiatric approach

Marcelo N. Viñar

• International review of the Red Cross, Vol. 89, no. 867, September 2007, p. 619-633

English

The author argues that torture affects not only its victims, and also that torture is not a disease of the victim but an endemic illness of civilization which has the effect of shattering the social network that makes us human. In order to rebuild healthy social relationships, it is vital to detect and accept the existence of this invisible pathology. We must listen to the intense groan of torture victims and understand them if we are to dare to look at the oppressive order which destroys them.

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• International review of the Red Cross / ICRC
• International review of the Red Cross [Vol. 89, no. 867, September 2007] / ICRC