Center for Victims of Torture

05/03/2026

Over our 40+ years caring for people who have fled torture and persecution, many journalists have come through our doors. All journalists around the world must be free from targeting, persecution, abduction and all forms of silencing. On World Press Freedom Day, and every day, we stand with journalists.

05/01/2026

The extreme ICE enforcement in St. Cloud, Minn, continues to impact clients and the community. People thought they were safe in the U.S. after they fled violent conflict back home, said Amal Hassan, CVT community development and education coordinator, to MPR News “And then seeing people in America getting gunned down,” she said, “they had to relive that.”

ICE agents arresting and detaining immigrants in St. Cloud earlier this year brought intense fear and anxiety to the Somali community that lasted for months. Some are still feeling the effects.

04/30/2026

CVT clinicians tell us that just because a specific threat has moved away or lessened, the mental health symptoms do not necessarily go away. In some cases, those may even get worse. CVT has trauma-informed, proven practices. Read tips for healing: https://www.cvt.org/articles/how-to-cope-in-the-aftermath-of-violence-and-crisis/

04/29/2026

What does safe and ethical media engagement look like from the perspective of a survivor of atrocities and sexual violence? Watch videos featuring a conversation with CVT’s Yusra Al-Kailani and Shireen, survivors’ rights activist, about how survivors experience their stories being gathered and the way they are told.

This project was led by The Murad Code, an organization that works globally to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Advice to Media Practitioners: Cross-disciplinary insights on ethics, storytelling and survivor engagement This series of videos features journalist and media ethics scholar Cathy Otten, human rights lawyer Sherizaan Minwalla, psychotherapist Yusra Al-Kailani and survivors’ rights advocate Shireen...

04/28/2026

After state violence, many actors have strong views about justice and accountability. But responses should be informed by the priorities of those most affected. CVT’s new evidence brief offers practical guidance on how to gather survivors’ and stakeholders’ views in thoughtful, context-sensitive ways. Read more here:https://www.cvt.org/wp-content/uploads/A4A_Evidence_Brief_2_Guidance_on_methodology.pdf

04/24/2026

CVT is proud to endorse this bill introduced by Representatives Garcia, Tlaib and Ramirez to stop ICE warehouse detention prisons.

04/23/2026

After atrocities have been perpetrated, communities are faced with figuring out how to respond, how to heal and how to seek justice. How does civil society center survivors’ voices and understand their priorities? CVT has a new evidence brief with practical guidance for accountability methods.
Read more here:https://www.cvt.org/wp-content/uploads/A4A_Evidence_Brief_2_Guidance_on_methodology.pdf

04/17/2026

Meet the team at CVT’s new service in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico! At a meeting with community providers in Nogales, they shared information about the organization and plans for services. They greatly appreciated the chance to hear input and gather feedback from new partners. Shown are Paulina Morón, associate psychotherapist/trainer; Ariadna Gudiño, psychotherapist/trainer; Gabriela Rosales Clark, case manager; and Carlos Aceves, clinical advisor for mental health.

Read the release here: https://www.cvt.org/statements/cvts-new-service-in-mexico-helps-families-seeking-asylum/

04/14/2026

If the relentless news cycle, ongoing injustice, and collective grief is taking a toll, you're not alone. For over 40 years, CVT has been a leader mental health and trauma rehabilitation. And now we’re bring that expertise to you. In our upcoming Wellness Workshop, a CVT clinician will guide you through recognizing secondary trauma and share practical mental health tools you can use right now.

Because you deserve support too.

RSVP for our free Wellness Workshop on 4/15 :
https://cvt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k1CLy5zNRri8bA2bsXkpGQ #/registration

04/13/2026

The community showed up for CVT clients during the worst of the ICE Surge – read more about how clients faced Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota: https://www.cvt.org/articles/the-community-shows-up-to-help-cvt-clients-during-ice-surge/

04/11/2026

“The president has held Guantánamo detention as a threat over the heads of migrants in the United States and now threatens the same over Cubans who may be forced to flee their homes as a result of his own actions,” said Yumna Rizvi, CVT senior policy analyst, in this article in Common Dreams on new threats to Cubans who may flee deteriorating conditions brought on by the fuel blockade.

​“The continued use of Guantánamo Bay, which has an extensive history of abuse and torture, is horrific and unconscionable."

04/10/2026

CVT seeks a part-time Psychotherapist/Trainer in Iraq to address the trauma rehabilitation needs of survivors of torture, human rights violations, and/or conflict-related violence. You’ll oversee psychological interventions, provide supervision, coaching, and training to staff psychologists and mental health counselors, and provide education and support to help other organizations better meet the needs of survivors. To apply, send cover letter and CV to Iraq_HR@cvt.org by April 15, 2026.
Click for details:https://www.cvt.org/wp-content/uploads/Psychotherapist_Trainer-Iraq_March_2026.pdf