Abstract
A global migration of individuals fleeing persecution, violence and armed conflict reached almost 60 million world-wide in 2015. This world-wide crisis of displacement reflects people seeking safety across borders and oceans; dangerous journeys that compound the trauma endured by these women, men and children. Refugees/asylum seekers face barriers upon entry to the U.S. The Western New York Center for Survivors (WNYCST) provides care coordination/trauma-informed care to mitigate these challenges. The objective of this study was to explore the resettlement experiences of survivors of torture living in Western New York, who had received services from the WNYCST; identifying challenges, unmet needs, and services that were helpful. Secondarily, we describe the experiences of asylum seekers and legally resettled refugees, who due to their differing legal status, might be expected to have different experiences. Data were collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews.ResultsThree themes emerged: mental health challenges, relating to their experiences in their home country and their separation from family; unmet needs, including lack of a sense of purpose and meaning, difficulty navigating services, and missing connections to community; and coping strategies, including WNYCST assistance with connecting with sources of social support in their new community. WNYCST services were helpful, particularly the assistance and connection with care coordinators and local support groups. This care and outreach helped to mitigate feelings of separation and apartness from their home countries and families.ConclusionsSome refugees/asylum seekers continue to struggle with unmet needs, issues of loss and isolation. If care providers recognize signs of stress early, appropriate interventions can be implemented. Care connections and trauma informed treatment with an emphasis on recreating ties with communities, may be one important factor in ensuring successful integration.
Highlights
A global migration of individuals fleeing persecution, violence and armed conflict reached almost 60 million world-wide in 2015 [1]
Some refugees/asylum seekers continue to struggle with unmet needs, issues of loss and isolation
Refugees are screened for resettlement outside the U.S, whereas asylum seekers make an application for asylum once present in the U.S There are differences for both groups in admission processes, and in the agencies responsible for their application review [4]
Summary
A global migration of individuals fleeing persecution, violence and armed conflict reached almost 60 million world-wide in 2015 [1]. This world-wide crisis of displacement reflects people seeking safety across borders and oceans; dangerous journeys that compound the trauma endured by these women, men and children [2]. Refugees are screened for resettlement outside the U.S, whereas asylum seekers make an application for asylum once present in the U.S There are differences for both groups in admission processes, and in the agencies responsible for their application review [4] Both refugees and asylum seekers face adjustment and resettlement challenges upon entry to the U.S Paramount are feelings of loss and displacement, fear of the new situations they face, and for asylum seekers, uncertainty about their future. These issues are exacerbated among survivors of torture and persecution [5, 6]
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