Film Screening and Discussion: Torture and Dual Loyalty Conflicts

This training event will help professionals, especially social workers, to practice more effectively when faced with dual loyalty ethical dilemmas that can occur when working with institutionalized or incarcerated clients (e.g. when ordered to monitor the health of prisoners kept in solitary confinement without sufficient authority to end the harmful isolation).

The event will begin with a viewing of the 40 minute documentary, Expert Witness: Health Professionals on the Frontline Against Torture by Dr. Martha Davis (www.expertwitnessagainsttorture.com). The film profiles four groups of health professionals working within or outside prisons who contribute to the prevention of state-supported torture, sometimes at great personal risk.

Following the documentary will be a brief discussion with the film’s director, psychologist Dr. Martha Davis, followed by a round table discussion of interdisciplinary professionals from psychology and medicine facilitated by Dr. Davis. In a second round table discussion, facilitated by Dr. Tina Maschi (Fordham University GSS; Social Workers Against Solitary Confinement), will include other members of Social Workers Against Solitary Confinement), such as author/social worker, Mary Buser. The facilitated dialogue with correctional social workers and former incarcerated individuals will give personal accounts of experiencing or witnessing prison abuse. The event will conclude with an rich discussion with all participants about how professionals can help prevent prison abuse, manage dual loyalty dilemmas, and advocate effectively for prison reforms.