Torture

   Those abducted by the military and security forces during the “dirty wars” were routinely subjected to torture, both physical and psychological. Common methods of physical torture were beatings, electric shocks to sensitive areas of the body, repeated submersion, sexual violation, and prolonged suspension. Methods of psychological torture included threats, insults, humiliation, and mock executions.

   Torturers were generally members of the military and police. Often each of the service branches and police organizations had its own intelligence operation, and courses on torture were often included in counterinsurgency training. Chile’s secret police, for example, the Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional (DINA, Directorate of National Intelligence), drew not only from the military and police but also from civilian extremist groups.

   Among the most infamous torture sites was the Escuela Mecánica de la Armada (ESMA, Navy Mechanics School), in Buenos Aires. In Chile, DINA operated out of a number of places around Santiago, including Villa Grimaldi and Londres 38. In Uruguay, a torture site often recalled is 300 Karl (named for 300 Karl Marx, a military operation directed at members of the Communist Party). Housed in an army base, 300 Karl was referred to by both prisoners and jailers alike as el infierno (hell).

   Although torture was often used to extract information from prisoners—new suspects were kidnapped because their names were spoken during interrogation sessions—gathering information seems not to have been the primary aim. Indeed, health professionals who specialize in treating torture victims say that information extracted by torture is often unreliable—that victims report having blurted out anything they thought might satisfy their tormentors. Instead, specialists say, the primary aim of torture is to dominate victims by breaking down their personalities and destroying their identities and self-esteem. Many torture victims suffer from depression, guilt, and powerlessness. Many fear authority figures, mistrust strangers, and have difficulty holding on to jobs. They often experience sleeplessness, flashbacks, and nightmares. Some turn to drugs and alcohol or commit suicide.

   Some victims receive help from nonprofit organizations that rehabilitate torture survivors. Working often on shoestring budgets, volunteer doctors and therapists interview patients gently, listening to their stories and attempting to treat their physical and psychological wounds. Patients receive emotional support by interacting with others who have had similar experiences. Health professionals agree that societies as well as individuals are affected by torture and need to recover.