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Journal of Social Work
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‘I Shout with Fear at Night’

Understanding the Traumatic Experiences of Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Hilary N. Weaver

University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NewYork, USA

Barbara J. Burns

University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NewYork, USA, bburns{at}iibuff.org

Summary: In recent years, the plight of refugees and asylum seekers has garnered significant public attention. Yet many social workers find they have made limited preparations for meeting the needs of refugee clients. This article presents the results of a study conducted at the largest refugee shelter in the US. Fifty-eight adult asylum seekers staying at the shelter were interviewed about their experiences, including trauma and subsequent physical and emotional symptoms.

Findings: Most respondents experienced trauma in their home country. Additionally, nightmares were often reported as psychological sequelae attributed to these traumatic events.

Applications: Helping professionals can learn from this information and become sensitized to some of the struggles of this population. Understanding that some refugee clients ‘shout with fear at night’ can help us to appreciate the lasting impact trauma can have and can guide our work with this vulnerable yet resilient population. Helping professionals are challenged to become better versed in the at-risk position of asylum seekers and engage in advocacy to encourage greater protection of this population

Key Words: asylum seekers • refugees • social work • torture • trauma

Journal of Social Work, Vol. 1, No. 2, 147-164 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/146801730100100203
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