The Research and Database Department

The Research Department at the Center for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture plays a crucial role in the center's work. It conducts in-depth scientific studies on the physical and psychological effects of torture, as well as risk and prevention factors. The department also uses advanced research methodologies and data analysis to understand the causes and consequences of torture, and to develop the best standards for treatment and rehabilitation.

 The need for scientific studies, research, and documentation is considered a necessary priority that the center has placed at the forefront of its programs. Its aim is to provide scientific research information in the fields of mental and social health, human rights, and to understand and monitor changes related to the Palestinian society in general, and the beneficiaries of the center's services in particular. This is in order to tailor programs and services based on the results, and to prepare recommendations for relevant authorities and decision-makers to address dilemmas, formulate solutions, and plans based on scientific evidence. In addition, the center actively participates in scientific lectures, training courses, and local, regional, and international conferences. These research studies can be divided into three types:

 

General (large-scale) quantitative and qualitative research, which determines the study population of emerging phenomena in society. Human rights are given high priority in order to demonstrate the limits of improvement or decline in protecting human rights in the Palestinian territories and to encourage broad sectors of public opinion to work for stopping violations and to encourage the international community to pressure governments to improve human rights.

Experimental and clinical research, which includes studying a sample of beneficiaries of the center or the targeted group that receives the center's services in order to determine the effectiveness of the service provided to them. It also includes monitoring and studying the impact of programs and services provided to the targeted group of the Palestinian society, such as summer camps, in order to determine their impact and identify ways to meet their needs more effectively.

 

Database

 The database for victims of torture is a vital tool in the center's work, playing a critical role in organizing, storing, and managing information. The importance of the database can be seen in several aspects:

 Organizing information: The database helps organize data and classify it in a systematic and organized way. Relevant data is collected in specific tables and classifications, making it easier to access and analyze information quickly and efficiently.

 Saving time and effort: Thanks to the database, important and useful information can be easily accessed in a short time. The database reduces the need for manual search and irregular browsing of documents and files, saving time and effort for users.

 Ensuring confidentiality and privacy: We maintain a secure and confidential database that contains reliable source information about survivors and their experiences and progress during the rehabilitation process. This database helps us track and evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions, monitor trends, and contribute to collecting information about torture and its patterns and consequences. We handle this information with the utmost respect for privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the principles of the Istanbul Protocol, ensuring that it is stored securely and only accessed by authorized personnel.

 The database enables us to identify types of shocks, symptoms, intervention methods, number of sessions for each case, age, gender, disabilities, location, education level, alleged responsible parties, medical records, and other variables.

 The Center for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture deals with the information contained in its database according to the standards of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), which ensures the confidentiality of beneficiaries in accordance with the strict guidelines of the World Psychiatric Association and the International Federation of Psychological Sciences. The center also takes into account international standards for child protection and disseminates comprehensive interventions that do not cause harm.

 The code of conduct for dealing with victims of torture and violence is a crucial set of guidelines that should be followed by all professionals and organizations working with such individuals. The code is based on international human rights standards and provide clear guidance on the ethical and legal obligations of those working with victims of torture. It emphasizes the need for informed consent and respect for the autonomy of the victim, as well as the importance of providing access to medical and psychological care. TRC ensures beneficiary confidentiality according to the strict guidelines of the World Psychiatric Association, and International Union of Psychological Science, of which TRC is an active member. TRC also ensures high standards of safeguarding, and implementation of holistic interventions that incorporate the principle of ‘Do No Harm’.

 The code of conduct also addresses the issue of re-victimization and or vicarious, which occurs when individuals are subjected to further harm or discrimination as a result of seeking assistance. Professionals working with victims of torture should be aware of the risks of re-victimization and should take steps to prevent it. This includes providing information on the victim's rights and options, as well as advocating for their protection and access to justice.