“After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body

Survivors' accounts of torture raise awareness about its widespread impact and deepen the understanding of its physical and psychological effects. Merleau-Ponty's concept of the lived body enhances our grasp of the body's connection to the world, informing better care and retraumatization prevention. This perspective can shape public opinion, policy, and global efforts to prevent torture, support survivors, and improve healthcare, while personal stories humanize the issue and challenge torturers' claims.