Center for Victims of Torture
@cvt.org
Center for Victims of Torture (CVT): Healing the wounds of torture globally, strengthening healers & human rights defenders, advocating to end #torture. www.cvt.org
There is a difference between criminal behavior and civil violations. Someone who overstays the amount of time on a visa is not committing a crime. That is a civil violation. So is parking at a meter beyond the time you paid. It doesn’t make you a criminal.
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
There is a difference between criminal behavior and civil violations. Someone who overstays the amount of time on a visa is not committing a crime. That is a civil violation. So is parking at a meter beyond the time you paid. It doesn’t make you a criminal.
There are legal pathways to becoming a U.S. citizen, and people reside in the country during this time. Here are two:
1. Asylum seekers live in the U.S. legally while their case is pending.
2. Refugees were already vetted overseas and are in a process seeking permanent residency.
1. Asylum seekers live in the U.S. legally while their case is pending.
2. Refugees were already vetted overseas and are in a process seeking permanent residency.
November 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM
There are legal pathways to becoming a U.S. citizen, and people reside in the country during this time. Here are two:
1. Asylum seekers live in the U.S. legally while their case is pending.
2. Refugees were already vetted overseas and are in a process seeking permanent residency.
1. Asylum seekers live in the U.S. legally while their case is pending.
2. Refugees were already vetted overseas and are in a process seeking permanent residency.
How Democracies Revive: Don’t miss this virtual conversation with Juan Méndez, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture & long-time member of CVT’s National Advisory Council. Hosted by the U of Minn Humphrey School of Public Affairs - Nov. 11, 5:45 pm Central. Register by email: Gomez450@umn.edu.
November 6, 2025 at 6:21 PM
How Democracies Revive: Don’t miss this virtual conversation with Juan Méndez, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture & long-time member of CVT’s National Advisory Council. Hosted by the U of Minn Humphrey School of Public Affairs - Nov. 11, 5:45 pm Central. Register by email: Gomez450@umn.edu.
Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states clearly that everyone has the right to seek asylum from persecution and torture. It is legal for people to seek this protection in the United States.
November 4, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states clearly that everyone has the right to seek asylum from persecution and torture. It is legal for people to seek this protection in the United States.
CVT is hiring a full-time Psychologist in Clarkston, Georgia. You'll provide high-quality, trauma-informed, culturally responsive psychotherapy services, including individual, couples, and group therapy. Doctoral degree required. 50% remote. Click: jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/cvt/CA...
October 31, 2025 at 7:08 PM
CVT is hiring a full-time Psychologist in Clarkston, Georgia. You'll provide high-quality, trauma-informed, culturally responsive psychotherapy services, including individual, couples, and group therapy. Doctoral degree required. 50% remote. Click: jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/cvt/CA...
Trump's new cap on refugee admissions is making devastating history with an unprecedented low of 7,500 people, prioritizing white Afrikaners for entry. “The United States has stood as a strong light of hope in the past,” said CVT's Alison Beckman. “Today, that light is being extinguished.”
October 31, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Trump's new cap on refugee admissions is making devastating history with an unprecedented low of 7,500 people, prioritizing white Afrikaners for entry. “The United States has stood as a strong light of hope in the past,” said CVT's Alison Beckman. “Today, that light is being extinguished.”
Up until 2025, if you were seeking protection in the United States, it took years, even decades. And while this process helped only a tiny percentage of refugees, it was still possible via the Refugee Admissions Program or by applying for asylum at the border.
October 30, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Up until 2025, if you were seeking protection in the United States, it took years, even decades. And while this process helped only a tiny percentage of refugees, it was still possible via the Refugee Admissions Program or by applying for asylum at the border.
NEW: “For a society collectively to make progress towards justice, individual survivors must feel that their own healing and justice needs are being addressed,” said CVT's Dr. Shannon Golden about a new CVT report on justice for survivors in Northern Uganda. Read more:
www.cvt.org/statements/n...
www.cvt.org/statements/n...
October 29, 2025 at 12:40 PM
NEW: “For a society collectively to make progress towards justice, individual survivors must feel that their own healing and justice needs are being addressed,” said CVT's Dr. Shannon Golden about a new CVT report on justice for survivors in Northern Uganda. Read more:
www.cvt.org/statements/n...
www.cvt.org/statements/n...
Refugees are in the United States legally after undergoing rigorous vetting processes across many government agencies. In fact, refugees are among the most documented people on earth. However, less than 1% of all refugees are ever resettled to the U.S.
October 28, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Refugees are in the United States legally after undergoing rigorous vetting processes across many government agencies. In fact, refugees are among the most documented people on earth. However, less than 1% of all refugees are ever resettled to the U.S.
Curt Goering served as CVT exec director from 2012-21, a time of expansion in programming. He comments on the need for CVT’s care, saying “. . . at a time of resurgent denial of torture and its impacts, and increasingly, its justification, the role of CVT has never been more critical or needed.”
October 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Curt Goering served as CVT exec director from 2012-21, a time of expansion in programming. He comments on the need for CVT’s care, saying “. . . at a time of resurgent denial of torture and its impacts, and increasingly, its justification, the role of CVT has never been more critical or needed.”
Another incredible morning of healing and hope as CVT celebrates another successful Restoring Hope Breakfast! While we recognize our 40th anniversary, we are grateful to all our supporters – you make a difference for survivors around the world! Thank you so much.
October 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Another incredible morning of healing and hope as CVT celebrates another successful Restoring Hope Breakfast! While we recognize our 40th anniversary, we are grateful to all our supporters – you make a difference for survivors around the world! Thank you so much.
More on CVT's advocacy work . . .
October 14, 2025 at 11:29 AM
More on CVT's advocacy work . . .
A critical component of CVT’s work over four decades has been policy advocacy to support survivors, end torture and hold people accountable. Many key policy moments were influenced by CVT’s advocacy. Check out these key moments of our history.
October 14, 2025 at 11:27 AM
A critical component of CVT’s work over four decades has been policy advocacy to support survivors, end torture and hold people accountable. Many key policy moments were influenced by CVT’s advocacy. Check out these key moments of our history.
On World Mental Health Day, a reminder that more than 123 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. These levels, and the trauma they suggest, are truly historic. Mental health care must be part of crisis response. Let’s make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.
October 10, 2025 at 1:21 PM
On World Mental Health Day, a reminder that more than 123 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. These levels, and the trauma they suggest, are truly historic. Mental health care must be part of crisis response. Let’s make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.
How does the U.S. immigration system affect community health and wellbeing? Join CVT's Sara Nelson as she speaks on a panel hosted by MN Doctors for Health Equity. Oct. 11 in St. Paul. If you’re in Minnesota, register here: mdheq.org/event-6334218
October 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
How does the U.S. immigration system affect community health and wellbeing? Join CVT's Sara Nelson as she speaks on a panel hosted by MN Doctors for Health Equity. Oct. 11 in St. Paul. If you’re in Minnesota, register here: mdheq.org/event-6334218
Over CVT’s 40 years, we expanded to many countries, serving thousands of survivors. Many programs have since closed, but our hearts are with our colleagues and clients always.
October 9, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Over CVT’s 40 years, we expanded to many countries, serving thousands of survivors. Many programs have since closed, but our hearts are with our colleagues and clients always.
It’s CVT’s 40th anniversary! Join us in celebrating our milestones and accomplishments from our beginnings back in 1985. Watch for information and details from our four decades of healing and hope.
October 7, 2025 at 12:56 PM
It’s CVT’s 40th anniversary! Join us in celebrating our milestones and accomplishments from our beginnings back in 1985. Watch for information and details from our four decades of healing and hope.
Survivors of torture have spoken out: It is time to ban goods that have no purpose other than torture. Read the joint declaration from survivors, who write, “We unequivocally support a torture-free trade treaty.”
www.cvt.org/statements/j...
www.cvt.org/statements/j...
October 2, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Survivors of torture have spoken out: It is time to ban goods that have no purpose other than torture. Read the joint declaration from survivors, who write, “We unequivocally support a torture-free trade treaty.”
www.cvt.org/statements/j...
www.cvt.org/statements/j...
The lawsuit CVT joined took a huge blow Friday when the Supreme Court let the Trump administration withhold $4 billion in foreign aid which had been appropriated by Congress and was set to expire today. Even in the face of this setback, we continue to fight for our clients in every way we can.
October 1, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The lawsuit CVT joined took a huge blow Friday when the Supreme Court let the Trump administration withhold $4 billion in foreign aid which had been appropriated by Congress and was set to expire today. Even in the face of this setback, we continue to fight for our clients in every way we can.
We must ban the trade of goods that have no use other than torture. It’s time for a torture-free trade treaty. Sign the petition: www.amnesty.org/en/petition/...
September 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
We must ban the trade of goods that have no use other than torture. It’s time for a torture-free trade treaty. Sign the petition: www.amnesty.org/en/petition/...
Rendering people to countries or prisons that use torture, including CECOT prison, is illegal. Transfers to torture by the Trump administration violate the principle of non-refoulement. These transfers are done out of cruelty and to instill fear and pain among immigrants in the U.S.
September 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Rendering people to countries or prisons that use torture, including CECOT prison, is illegal. Transfers to torture by the Trump administration violate the principle of non-refoulement. These transfers are done out of cruelty and to instill fear and pain among immigrants in the U.S.
CVT is proud to partner in this new webinar series. Join us Thursdays for important conversations about bringing the voices of survivors into processes for justice. Thursday’s webinar: Survivor-Informed Policymaking for Justice Through Consultation, 9/25. georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
September 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
CVT is proud to partner in this new webinar series. Join us Thursdays for important conversations about bringing the voices of survivors into processes for justice. Thursday’s webinar: Survivor-Informed Policymaking for Justice Through Consultation, 9/25. georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
The deliberate and alarming use of militarized tactics by the Trump administration against immigrants is intended to create fear and intimidation. It does not make America safer. It puts us all at risk.
September 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The deliberate and alarming use of militarized tactics by the Trump administration against immigrants is intended to create fear and intimidation. It does not make America safer. It puts us all at risk.
“What began as a small gesture became a binational celebration of solidarity, ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, walked into the classroom with dignity, hope, and joy.” A SAMU First Response project brought in 750+ items for kids
samufirstresponse.org/education/ba...
samufirstresponse.org/education/ba...
September 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
“What began as a small gesture became a binational celebration of solidarity, ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, walked into the classroom with dignity, hope, and joy.” A SAMU First Response project brought in 750+ items for kids
samufirstresponse.org/education/ba...
samufirstresponse.org/education/ba...
Until 2025, for people seeking protection in the U.S. it took years, even decades. And this was for a tiny % of refugees. Yet it was possible, via the Refugee Admissions Program or applying for asylum at the border. Both processes have largely been shut down. There's no line to immigrate to U.S.
September 18, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Until 2025, for people seeking protection in the U.S. it took years, even decades. And this was for a tiny % of refugees. Yet it was possible, via the Refugee Admissions Program or applying for asylum at the border. Both processes have largely been shut down. There's no line to immigrate to U.S.