Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

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Characteristics of the Refugee Journey A TRAUMATIC JOURNEY Because of the complexity of the Colombian armed conflict, no two refugees share the same story. Just as varied as the factors that lead to their displacement are the traumatic experiences that follow: death threats, attacks, hunger, unemployment, fear, rejection by society, uncertainty about the future. Often if a Colombian officially files a case in the judicial system to report a crime committed against them or a family member, the information is leaked to the very armed actors that committed the crime and the persecution of the victim intensifies. This leads many Colombians to have great suspicion or even fear of state figures of authority such as police. Knowing who to trust is difficult and stressful for refugees. The journey for refugees from danger to resettlement in Canada is perilous and stressful. For the purpose of understanding the different types of stresses refugees encounter along the way, the journey can be divided into three parts: pre-flight, flight and post-flight. Refugees face difficult and traumatic situations in each stage, including the stage after arrival in Canada (post-flight). ”You leave your house, but you don’t know if you will return.” - Elena “It’s an obsession that something is going to happen to you, or that someone is going to hurt you.” - Marta “You are in a tunnel, waiting and hoping to see the light.” - Oscar “It’s not just the displacement, but also the persecution, children who are hungry and not being able to go out... If you get caught up in it, you will lose yourself in depression.” - Edith “Feelings of sadness, pain, the desire to dig a hole in the ground and hide there.” - Trina
26 w a l k i n g t o g e t h e r The Triple Trauma Paradigm, below, highlights some of the traumatic events encountered in each part of the refugee journey. THE TRIPLE-TRAUMA PARADIGM Pre-Flight Flight Post-Flight Harassment/intimidation/ threats Fear of unexpected arrest Loss of job/livelihood Loss of home, land, possessions, Loss of employment, business Disruption of studies, life dreams Repeated relocation Living in hiding/underground Societal chaos/breakdown Prohibition of traditional practices Lack of medical care Separation, isolation of family Malnutrition Need for secrecy, silence, distrust Brief arrests, kidnapping, retention Being followed or monitored Imprisonment Torture Other forms of violence Witnessing violence Disappearances/Deaths Fear of being caught or returned Extortion Threat of forced recruitment of children Attempts against one’s life Living in hiding/underground Detention at checkpoints, borders Loss of home, land, possessions Loss of job/schooling Illness Robbery Exploitation: bribes, falsification Physical assault, rape or injury Witnessing violence Lack of medical care Separation, isolation of family Malnutrition Crowded, unsanitary conditions Continued threat Looked upon with suspicion by society Government agencies little help Great uncertainty about the future Low social and economic status Lack of legal status Language barriers Transportation, service barriers Loss of identity, roles Bad news from home Unmet expectations Unemployment/ underemployment Racial/ethnic discrimination Inadequate, dangerous housing Repeated relocation/migration Social and cultural isolation Family separation/reunification Unresolved losses/ disappearances Unrealistic expectations from home Shock of new climate, geography Conflict: internal, marital, community, generational Symptoms often worsen Triple Trauma Paradigm courtesy of the Center for Victims of Torture, 649 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104, www.cvt.org © Center for Victims of Torture
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Colombia - Suramérica Océano Atl
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Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

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