Political motivated imprisonment and torture survivors’ experiences of trauma and resilience in Ethiopia

Abstract

Back ground: This study was aimed to explore the subjective experiences of trauma and resilience of political motivated imprisoned and   tortured survivors. Findings shows that the prevalence of torture close to epidemic public problem levels in inmate communities and it makes tortured survivors subjected to traumas and other psychological atrocities while and after imprisonment. Moreover, the survivor’ pre, perie and post imprisonment cognitive, psychological and social factors were associated with the levels of trauma and other psycho social problems. Regarding the Ethiopian context, the EPRDF regime was highly known and criticized by imprisoned and tortured front line political and social activists and journalists. Methods: The study was employed case study by included two respondents who were subjected to political imprisonment and tortured five and above years.  The researcher has employed phenomenological approaches to interpret the data which were collected via interview guide and semi structured questioners. Results: The study shows that the respondents were forced to witness terrifying and annoying actions, forbidden from taking shower and washing clothes and exposed to life threatening conditions. They were manifest traumatic symptoms of avoiding situations which reminds imprisonment like, being nervous and irritated when they see a man with military uniforms, being hyper vigilant for some sounds, feeling of numbness.  Moreover, participants perceived that their families especially their children lost psychological, social and economic advantages due to their imprisonment and torture. Conclusion: The two respondents were experienced severe forms of tortured and inhuman handling during their imprisonment. However, their current trauma and negative psychological states were varied with their social capitals and political ideologies and religious commitment. Hence, mental health and rehabilitation workers had better to give attention to strengthen survivors’ social resources and spiritual commitments during the rehabilitations process of tortured survivors.