| This brochure is directed to anyone who knows and cares for refugee and migrant people who are survivors of torture and trauma.
Who is QPASTT for?
The Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, (QPASTT) provides assistance to people who have undergone torture, have witnessed or experienced the torture of someone close to them, have experienced trauma during flight from their homes and countries, have experienced victimisation due to membership of a political, ethnic or religious group, or have experienced war, political upheaval and fear for life.
It is estimated that there are approximately 30 million refugees and internally displaced people worldwide. Australia accepts approximately 11,000 - 13,000 people under its refugee and humanitarian programs annually. Approximately about 8% of these arrive in Queensland each year. A large percentage of people arriving in Queensland under the refugee and humanitarian program have experienced torture or refugee related trauma prior to their arrival.
Aims
The aim of this service is to provide a range of flexible and culturally sensitive services to people who have been tortured or who have suffered refugee related trauma prior to migrating to Australia. QPASTT aims to provide services which address the range of physical, psychological and social needs that survivors of torture and trauma have. Experienced professional staff who are qualified in psychology and social work practise with a flexible client-centred approach.
Some staff are bilingual and interpreters are also used. The service operates from two locations: Fairfield and Logan central. QPASTT'S main office is in suburban Fairfield, in a quiet street next to a park. QPASTT is managed by a Committee drawn from refugee communities, human rights workers, and health and welfare workers who have experience in providing services to refugees.
QPASTT CONDEMNS TORTURE AS AN UNACCEPTABLE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND JOINS WITH RELATED AGENCIES TO FIGHT AGAINST THE PRACTICE WORLDWIDE.
Early Detection
People who have been tortured or traumatised may have a number of long -term physical, emotional and psychological effects. Physical effects may include broken bones, torn tendons, damaged teeth, problems with vision, brain damage, amongst others. In addition, survivors may experience difficulties with sleeping, experience recurrent nightmares, have difficulty with concentration, trusting others, and in maintaining family relationships. It is also common for survivors to feel depressed and anxious and to have lost pleasure in life.
Early Intervention
Research indicates that the sooner a person is assisted to deal with their traumatic experience the more likely they are to experience a full recovery. However, it is important that the person is able to make a decision themselves whether or not to seek assistance and to be consulted and in control of the assistance received.
Services Offered
QPASTT has a state-wide brief to provide assistance to survivors throughout Queensland. Services include:
- Counselling to individuals and families; children and adults
- Advocacy and support services
- Referral to a wide range of medical practitioners, complementary health therapists, and settlement services
- Group programs
- Consultation with communities
- Training for health and related workers.
- Public awareness raising
- Support to community workers dealing with survivors
- Resource library
How to refer
Individuals, couples, families and groups may be self-referred or referred by someone else. The referring person must consult with the clients and obtain their permission to make the referral. To make referral write a letter or telephone QPASTT including: client's name, address, date of arrival in Australia, preferred language and means of contact.
Brief reason for client wanting referral to QPASTT. Any other relevant information (eg. preferred interpreter, ability to attend QPASTT office etc. A Counsellor/Advocate will contact the client, usually within a fortnight, to arrange a suitable time for an initial interview.
The service is FREE & CONFIDENTIAL. QPASTT is funded by Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services and Queensland Health Department.
QPASTT
50 Shottery St, Yeronga 4103
PO Box 6254, Fairfield, QLD 4103 Brisbane, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3391 6677
Fax: +61 7 3391 6388
E mail: admin@qpastt.org.au
QPASTT is the Queensland representative of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT)
^Back to Top | 
