Torture : understanding and addressing a highly reprehensible aspect of prison violence

Abstract

Torture, the infliction of severe physical or psychological pain upon an individual to obtain information, extract a confession, or as punishment, is prohibited by international law and is illegal in most countries. Nevertheless, documented instances of torture of prisoners currently occur in more than half of the world’s countries, with devastating physical and psychosocial consequences on victims. This article examines the potential roles of physicians, medical associations, and governments in the perpetuation, and prevention, of torture. The author highlights several factors that have influenced the perpetuation of prisoner torture, even in countries that are signatories to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, and concludes with practical measures for surveillance and minimization of prisoner torture.