title: Evidence of torture in the mid west region of Nepal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to find evidence of torture in the Mid West Region of Nepal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interview and clinical examination of self-reported torture-survivors in the Mid West Region of Nepal in the area of Nepalganj, which is on of the most important city in that region. Thirty-four persons (group A) were examined according to a programme performed by Physicians for Human Rights, Denmark. Furthermore, twenty-nine persons (group B) were interviewed according to an abbreviated programme performed by a local group of doctors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Testimonies of exposure to physical and psychological violence were validated, assessing the consistency between the reported exposure, reported ensuing symptoms and the results of clinical examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Torture has probably existed in Nepal for decades. The main reason given for torture is suspicion of political activity. Most of the torture takes place in District Police Offices, by the police. Episodes of torture performed by the Communist Party of Nepal, known widely as "the Maoists", have been reported. This investigation substantiates that torture is severely traumatizing for the survivor.
authors.affiliation: jly@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lykke
authors.forename: Mukti Nath
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Timilsena
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014104:Torture / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*