June is Torture Awareness Month

Abolish Torture, Support Survivors!

Friday, June 21, 2024

Dear Johnny,

As we broach the subject of torture, please take the time to care for yourself. Recognize and show respect for your own experience with any level or type of abuse, whether direct or vicarious. Be aware of your own responses as you explore the topic of torture. The goal of this PSA is to educate and inform, to empower and strengthen, and to move us toward solutions, rather than to create stress, retraumatize, or disempower. We recommend that you have a plan in place in the event that you are triggered by some of the things you find. Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors ahead of doing any reading or research on torture to let them know what you’re doing and ask for their support. Perhaps journaling as you conduct this research may help. Praying, centering, or meditating may be a viable option for you. Some people may choose to exercise or listen to music before or after. Please take care of yourself through this process.

We have heard of “common sense,” the supposition that certain things are known to most people (or at least they should be). Now consider "common ignorance," the recognition of the fact that the general public is ignorant, uninformed, or unaware. No, it’s not an insult. It is a description of the fact that people in general are not aware. To raise awareness this day and during this month of June, we focus on the issue of torture.

How many people know there is a Torture Awareness Month? How many people consider the concept of torture on an occasional basis, as infrequently as a few times a year? When was the last time you sat down and talked with someone about torture? When was the last time, if ever, that you set out to learn more about torture through reading, research, or an educational program? How many people recognize that torture is prevalent in every corner of the world, that it is a common practice throughout the history of humanity--or should we say inhumanity?  

Unfortunately, the answer to all of these questions leads us back to the opening statement: There is no common sense--only common ignorance--when it comes to the subject of torture. Thus, we are moved this month to prayer, study, and action. 

Sr. Dianna Ortiz, Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace and former staff member, wrote the following prayer for Pax Christi USA in the early 2000s. Make it a part of your prayer this month and share it with others in your parish, local group, religious community, school, etc. Feel free to share the prayer electronically or order prayer cards from the Pax Christi USA store using this link.

Jesus, our tortured brother,

In this world, so many are forced to walk your path today – the suffering and pain, the humiliation, sense of betrayal and abandonment,

for those with power, the Romans of today, continue to condemn others to modern crosses.

You said what was done to the least of these was done to you and so each day,

You are tortured anew.

Jesus our guardian of the wounded and tortured,

Bid us to look into the secret prisons – the unmarked graves – the hearts and minds of torture survivors,

Bid us to wipe the tears of the families of those whose decapitated bodies were cast into the open sea,

Bid us to embrace the open wounds of the tortured.

Jesus, Guiding Spirit,

Teach us to be in solidarity with those who hang from these crosses,

Call out to those who torture, “Know the evil you have done and repent.”

Call out to the rest of us, “What meaning does love have if you allow torture to continue unopposed?”

In the name of all the tortured of the world, give us the strength, give us the courage, give us the will to bring this horror to an end, in the name of love, justice and the God of us all.

Amen.

>> Revisit Pope Francis’ prayer to end torture offered during June of last year.

>> Watch last night's #PAXMass in commemoration of Torture Awareness Month.

>> Find online resources from our partners at TASSC (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International); NRCAT (The National Religious Campaign Against Torture); Program for Torture Victims; and WAT (Witness Against Torture). Find additional resources at Amnesty International and Freedom from Torture.