Torture
What is it?
An act specifically intended to cause severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon another person within one’s custody or physical control.
What’s the impact?
Torture is often used to oppress, dominate, and punish women and girls. Many forms of gender-based violence are severe enough to constitute torture, and they are recognized as such under international law.
What protections are available?
An immigrant woman or girl who is a victim of torture may be eligible for asylum or other legal protections, such as a U visa. Learn more about what we’re doing to protect survivors of torture.
