Building a community of support for survivors of political violence and torture
Through our community partnerships, our goal is to support survivors overcome the legacy of oppression and live with dignity.
What we do
We collaborate with health professionals, social service agencies, immigrant settlement workers and the broader community to ensure that the needs of survivors of torture are recognized and met at all levels.
Interconnectedness Initiative
Eight mental health and settlement agencies in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island are joining forces to support survivors of torture and their communities.
Interested in learning more or getting involved?
Help us support survivors of torture in our community.
News, updates & events
Land acknowledgment
We operate predominantly from the unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, today known as the…
Fourth Case Conference Report
The fourth case conference of the I.I. took place on March 27, 2025, with the…
Workshop: Understanding Burnout & Vicarious Trauma on May 7
May 7 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Pacific Are you a frontline worker in the…
VCST asks the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee: What is torture?
What started as a small 20 minute presentation quickly became an engaging hour-long group discussion.
Distinguished community advocates and researchers Dr. Yaya de Andrade and Joan Simalchik
On February 27, 2025, VCST hosted distinguished community advocates and researchers Dr. Yaya de Andrade…
Annual Symposium
At the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture’s Annual Symposium on February 25, 2025, VCST Board…