Tells the plight of refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced trauma and subsequent physical and emotional symptoms. In interviews, asylum seekers reported on violence and traumatic experiences resulting in crippling physical injuries, burns and other signs of abuse, headaches, and nightmares. Large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers exist worldwide and are a group that social workers and other helping professionals should be prepared to support. Understanding the experience of these clients and the lasting impact that trauma can have can assist in interventions with this population. Recommendations for practice include: (1) creating a safe environment for discussion; (2) not probing or pushing refugees to disclose information; (3) awareness that many women were sexually abused; (4) awareness of the immigration and legal process; and (5) prevention of social worker burnout. (IP)
