Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (TRC)

National Network
Palestine
Address

Liwan Building, 4th floor, Almahakem Street
Al-Bireh
Palestinian Territories

Telephone
972 2 2961710
Fax
972 2 2989123
E-Mail
khader.rasras@trc-pal.org
E-Mail (2)
info@trc-pal.org
E-Mail (3)
admin@trc-pal.org
Mobile Phone
970 599 775108
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1997
Fields of Activity
  1. Human rights
General Information

The organizational structure of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (TRC) is designed to ensure efficient and effective operations in delivering comprehensive care and support to survivors of torture. At the helm of the organization is the Executive Director, who provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and the staff. The Executive Director is supported by a dedicated team of professionals, including: Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Financial and Administrative Staff. Together, they work collaboratively to deliver integrated services that address the physical, psychological, and social needs of survivors. The organizational structure also includes specialized departments such as Medical Services, Psychological Support, Research and Database Department, Advocacy and Outreach, Finance and Administration Department. This division allows for focused expertise in each area while ensuring seamless coordination and communication among the departments. The hierarchical structure is complemented by a participatory and inclusive work culture that encourages open dialogue, teamwork, and continuous learning. TRC has offices in Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah and Jerusalem with 28 staff and work in West Bank and East Jerusalem. TRC implements projects, conducts research, and hold advocacy campaigns and training sessions. Some of the major donors of TRC is UN Women, UNICEF, IRCT, UNVF, UNDP and Dignity. TRC has partnership agreement with War Child Holland, SHAMS, Gaza Community Mental Health Program (GCMHP).

Mission and Objectives

TRC’s mission is to contribute significantly to the eradication of torture, organized violence, and other human rights violations regardless the identity of perpetrators. TRC also advocates to eradicate the culture of impunity prevalent, which is so rife throughout Palestine and works to support and empower survivors of torture, promote their rights to rehabilitation and healing, and advocate for their rights and dignity. Our mission at TRC is to provide compassion and support to survivors, fostering their healing, resilience, and empowerment.

Our core values guide our every action, ensuring that we uphold the principles of dignity, integrity, and justice. We are committed to treating each individual with respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of survivors. We strive for excellence in our services, continuously seeking to improve our programs through innovation, research, and collaboration.
Our core values guide our every action, ensuring that we uphold the principles of dignity, integrity, and justice. We are committed to treating each individual with respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of survivors. We strive for excellence in our services, continuously seeking to improve our programs through innovation, research, and collaboration.

Main Projects / Activities

TRC operates with a deep commitment to promote healing, restoration, and empowerment for survivors of Torture. We provide a comprehensive range of services aimed at addressing the psychological, and social needs of survivors. Our dedicated team, work collaboratively to deliver personalized care and support. We offer specialized psychological services encompass trauma-focused therapy, counseling, and psychosocial support, helping survivors navigate their emotional healing process. Additionally, we advocate for the rights of survivors, and facilitate their integration into society through vocational training and reintegration programs. Our holistic approach ensures that survivors receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and find hope and empowerment in their journey of recovery. TRC has a wide range of areas of intervention to support survivors of torture and their families as the following: Medical Care which involves providing survivors with specialized medical treatment to address the physical injuries and health problems caused by torture. The Center also provides psycho-social support, including counselling, therapy, and support groups, to help survivors overcome the psychological trauma and emotional pain caused by torture. TRC empowers the survivors for their reintegration into the Palestinian society, in addition to providing them with the knowledge and skills to identify and address psychological symptoms, through receiving a specialized psychological support such as: debriefing activities; Psychodrama, Art Therapy, Eye Therapy, narrative therapy to strengthen their coping mechanisms. TRC also provides Psychological testing which is an essential tool for assessing the mental health and well- being of victims of torture. Individuals who have experienced torture often suffer from a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related disorders. Psychological testing can help identify these symptoms, assess the severity of the trauma, and guide treatment options for the victim. Additionally, psychological testing can provide valuable evidence in legal proceedings, as it can help establish the extent and impact of the torture experienced by the victim. Overall, psychological testing is crucial for ensuring that victims of torture receive the appropriate care and support they need to recover from the traumatic experiences they have endured. TRC provides the following Psychological testing: IQ primary evaluation, personality, self-esteem scales and scales for well-being and psychological levels of distress. Neuro-developmental Disorders including learning difficulties, slow learner’s early identification. TRC also recognizes the importance of reaching remote areas, therefore; the center extends its services through home visits and psychological mobile clinic, offering essential support to individuals who may not have easy access to mental health resources. Psychological mobile clinics can play a crucial role in providing much- needed support to these individuals. These clinics are typically staffed by mental health professionals who are specially trained to work with trauma survivors. They can provide a range of services, including counselling, psychotherapy, and art therapy. By bringing these services directly to the community, psychological mobile clinics can help reduce barriers and ensure that victims of torture have access to the resources they need to heal, particularly in remote areas.
In addition to providing direct services to individuals through the psychological mobile clinic. They can also help raise awareness about the needs of torture survivors. By engaging with community members and leaders, these clinics can help break down stigmas around mental health and trauma, and build more supportive and inclusive communities. This can have a ripple effect, creating a more welcoming environment for survivors and reducing the risk of further violence and trauma. By providing both direct services and community education, psychological mobile clinics can make a significant difference in the lives of torture survivors and their communities. Hotline can play a crucial role in providing psychological support to individuals in need. TRC offers a confidential and anonymous way for individuals to reach out for help, which can be especially important for those who may feel hesitant or ashamed to seek support through other means. Hotlines can provide immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate resources or services. Hotline service can act as an essential solution to those in need, often operating between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, by trained professionals who can provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to talk about their issues. Hotlines can help reduce stigma around mental health and encourage individuals to seek the help they need to improve their well-being. TRC also conducts capacity building, vocational training, research and database, and Advocacy. Volunteers play a crucial role in our work. They contribute their time, skills, and compassion to support our programs and services. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of expertise, including medical professionals, psychologists, counselors, university students, language interpreters, and administrative support. They assist in various activities such as facilitating therapy sessions, conducting workshops and educational programs, assisting with administrative tasks, and organizing events. Our volunteers not only enhance the capacity of our center but also bring a sense of solidarity to our work.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

The variety of services and interventions that TRC provides can be of an added value to ALF network of organisations.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Having access to such a network will assist in improving TRC's reach to the different types of needed interventions. Considering the current crisis and the continuous need of the Palestinians to Mental health and psycho-social support provided by teams of experts all over West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Additional Information
Contact (1) Full Name
Khader Rasras
Job Title
General Director
Head of the organisation
Dr Mahmud Sehwail
Contact (2) Full Name
Maisaa Alhindi
Job Title (2)
Projects Manager