Mohamed* worked as a farmer in his home country, Sudan. During the civil war in Sudan, Mohamed was ordered by the militia to assassinate a politician who opposed the government in power. When Mohamed refused, the militia retaliated against Mohamed, forcing him to witness the brutal murdering of his wife and children and then burning his house to the ground. Mohamed was able to escape. Fleeing Sudan, he crossed many borders, spending time in Chad, Libya, and Tunisia. After many years of waiting, Mohamed was able to resettle here in Utah. Since his arrival, Mohamed has worked as a landscaper. He sends most of his hard-earned money back to Sudan in order to help support his extended family there.
Not surprisingly, Mohamed struggles with depression, anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When Mohamed was first referred to UHHR, it was difficult for him to talk about his past. But Mohamed, like many UHHR clients, exhibits remarkable resiliency. Over time, he has slowly begun to trust others. The UHHR services provided have helped him regain hope in the future. He frequently expresses his gratitude for the services he has received, and now constantly looks for ways to give back, helping fellow refugees in Utah’s Sudanese community.
Torture is an attempt to destroy a person’s identity and connection to others and their ability to trust in anything or anyone. Utah Health & Human Rights helps survivors move beyond trauma to reestablish trust in the world.
*All names have been changed and the stories altered to protect our client’s security and privacy.