Independence for Timor-Leste in 2002 has brought hope and renewal to many of the country's citizens after 24 years of violent occupation by Indonesia. Among them are the survivors of torture, who are rebuilding their lives with the help of a program supported by USAID.

Many victims of torture still suffer from the damage wrought on their bodies, minds, and spirits, despite the intervening years. The physical harm from beatings and electric shock is compounded by the emotional damage from psychological abuse by the Indonesian military and its supporters. Through its program, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) is helping survivors with support services from local partners that facilitate healing and recovery and connects them to government services. Many of the local partners are themselves survivors of torture.

Luis is a survivor of torture during the Indonesian occupation. Before he received help from the ICMC program, he could not do vital household chores such as carrying firewood. Jose, another survivor, was often not strong enough even to move around in his home and neighborhood. As clients of ICMC local partners, they received medical assistance and built relationships with people they could trust and share their concerns. The program also helps link community groups to government services such as mental health and social services.

According to Luis, "I'm happy with this program because now I can help with the heavy household chores. At the same time, the emotional pain from my torture experience is much less." Jose Salvador said that after he received some medical assistance, he can now move about with more energy.

Without help, torture survivors can suffer from fear, insecurity, loneliness, loss of self-esteem, and a reluctance to engage in social interaction. They are often preoccupied with thoughts and feelings about their torture experiences. Filomeno had withdrawn from his family and friends until home visits from an ICMC local partner slowly enabled him to reconnect to the world. Inacia had often felt afraid, but her fear is gone now after training sessions with ICMC, and she is involved in community service. Maria Fatima and Mateus often think of their painful experiences, but through the ICMC program they have also learned how to move on and are now active in their communities.

The success of ICMC's program has brought benefits beyond providing services to torture survivors: Inacia, Maria Fatima, and Mateus are now ICMC local partners themselves. After special training, they are qualified to provide psycho-social support to fellow survivors, and in the process, they are continuing their own healing and recovery from their torture experiences.