Cris’s Story
Cris is a 23 year-old man from Zimbabwe where he was a member of a political party advocating for democracy. One night, police came looking for Cris. At 2:00 a.m. they invaded his home, kidnapped Cris and dragged him to prison, where he was tortured.
One day he was inexplicably released from prison, though guards warned him that he would be killed the next time he was imprisoned. Fearing for his life, Cris fled the country and came to the United States seeking asylum.
Though the trauma he suffered made it difficult for himto tell his story—something he would have to do as part of his asylum case—with the help of the counseling services at Center for Survivors of Torture, Cris has been able to fully participate in his legal case. Although it is painful, he is committed to making his story known so that torture may cease in Zimbabwe. Through CST, Cris has also received medical treatment and medication to help with his chronic pain. Although he still suffers from flashbacks,
the counseling he has received at CST has helped him to move forward toward finding his purpose in living again. He is attendingcollege and is excited about his studies. He is learning to trust again. Cris now feels that he is a survivor, that he is not alone in his new country, and that he has much to live for. He has hope.
Make a Difference
Without the help of CST, Cris would be adrift in a new country, with no friends or family. He would face his painful memories alone. For thousands of torture survivors, CST has
provided the link between the suffering of the past and the road to a new life. However, CST cannot do this without the support of our friends. Please join us in helping people like Cris by giving a tax-deductible donation today. We welcome donations of any amount.
Here are a few ways you can help:
$5,000 can reunite a torture survivor with family members.
$2,500 can provide one year of medical care for a survivor.
$1,000 can provide housing assistance for homeless survivors.
$500 can provide interpretation services for therapy.
$250 can provide a survivor with food and clothing.
$100 can provide a survivor with transportation for a month.
$50 can provide life-saving medications for struggling survivors.
To donate securely online please visit: www.cstnet.org/donate
To donate by check, please send your donation payable to CST to:
Center for Survivors of Torture
5124 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
For further details contact Diane Marlow at diane@cstnet.org.
