What is FASSTT?

The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) is a network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies that work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas. Most clients of FASSTT agencies have come to Australia as refugees or humanitarian entrants. There is one FASSTT member agency in each state and territory of Australia.

FASSTT is not-for-profit and is funded by its member agencies using resources from the Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (PASTT), which is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health.

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FASSTT’s aims

Apathy, disbelief and complacency are the best friends of the torturer. If we do not recognise a survivor’s need for support and provide services to assist in their recovery from torture and trauma, the goal of the torturer is sustained and enhanced.

FASSTT and its member agencies seek to combat the impact of torture on the individual, the family and the community.

FASSTT does this by:

• supporting a network of agencies that respond directly to the needs of survivors of torture and trauma
• developing national policy and service frameworks for survivors of torture and trauma
• liaising with federal and state governments on behalf of survivors of torture and trauma
• participating in international networks concerned with issues relating to refugees and survivors of torture and trauma.