recent items & events
June 26th
June 26 commemorates the signing of the UN's Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and is observed each year as the UN's International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. It is an opportunity to educate your community about the widespread presence of torture around the world and to remember the victims, both past and present.
To mark June 26, 2009, ASTT is pleased to host "In Celebration of Strength," an evening of survivor artwork at The Library Project art space located in Baltimore's Historic Federal Hill. We invite you to remember this special day with a catered event featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music to help support client services.
In addition, ASTT will work in collaboration with different faith communities around the Baltimore/ DC area in an effort to continue our summer torture awareness campaign. ASTT presenters will talk about the work of ASTT, the needs of our clients, and provide informational materials to listeners.
Last year, ASTT hosted a press conference with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Capital Hill. Representative Hoyer and ASTT's Executive Director, Dr. Karen Hanscom, spoke to the needs of the estimated 40,000 torture survivors living in the Baltimore/ DC area and the critical client services that ASTT provides.
ASTT therapy group profiled on Marc Steiner
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Radio host Marc Steiner talks with Baltimore artist Julie Lin about her community arts project called 'Kitchen Stories." Using food as a focal point, Lin has brought together groups of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers to create art, share recipes, and cook.Click here to listen to the podcast.
Dr. Karen Hanscom Speaks on NPR
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, Torture Survivors in Maryland (11:58)
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is marked on June 26th every year. Nearly 10 percent of the 400,000 torture survivors that come to the United States end up in Maryland. We talk to Dr. Karen Hanscom, Executive Director of Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma; and Maureen Sweeney, director of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Maryland and President of ASTT's board.
Refugee Media Project Documentary
The Refugee Media Project is producing a half-hour video documentary on healthcare and social service for immigrant torture survivors in the United States. The film will be a powerful tool for educating, engaging and motivating healthcare, mental health and social service providers and students, as well as organizers and groups serving immigrant communities. Click here to go to the Refugee Media Project.