Sadya was referred to us by an NHS health worker in 2006 shortly after her arrival in the UK. She was deeply traumatized and unable to speak about her experiences. Her claim for asylum had been refused and her appeal dismissed.

Sadya had been subject to horrific torture in Sudan where she was a political activist campaigning against human rights abuses. She had been particularly active in investigating rape and violence against women by government forces. On arrival in the UK she was suffering from numerous physical complaints, and although she had accessed primary care services, physicians had been unable to take a full history or treat her appropriately.

Following our assessment, Sadya was accepted for ongoing therapy. Health issues raised were communicated with her GP (with her consent) and she has since had a number of investigations and treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy and severe musculoskeletal damage.

Sadya has been diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder. She was struggling to cope with the disruptive Home Office accommodation and through our advocacy she is now being supported by social services. She is regularly monitored by the community mental health team, and has been referred to the post-traumatic stress service. When she came to us, Sadya was dissatisfied with her legal representation. We helped secure a new representative and provided medical reports which have achieved a reconsideration hearing. She is awaiting the appeal hearing.

Over the past year, Sadya has engaged in therapeutic work and is beginning to articulate her experiences of torture. She is engaging in community activities and resuming some political activities. She is committed to continuing work as a human rights activist and is writing a piece for the Peace Meals book regarding human rights violations and crimes against women in Sudan. She is pursuing voluntary work in London-based human rights organisations and NGOs. Sadya is integrating her past torture into her future with a commitment to prevent violations of human rights and aware that she has an intense personal journey and trauma to address. She is keen to continue working with us and her treatment will be ongoing.