Helping Victims of Violence in Uganda

We report on a project to assist victims of war and violence in Uganda. The original aim of this project, set up by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, was to establish a centre for the assessment and treatment of torture victims who had suffered during previous regimes in that country. We found, however, that a specialist centre was not the most appropriate response in a country like Uganda. We argue for the need to respect local initiatives and systems of support and against the notion that there is a single model of care which is universally relevant. Following much investigation and involvement with local personnel, we have developed a programme of training and discussion for health workers, and a service to reach the many women who have suffered rape, and whose suffering has continued, largely ignored.