It is a human right to live free from torture

TORTURE HAPPENS HERE TOO

Non-State Torture (NST)

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What is Non-State Torture(NST)?

Non-State Torture (NST) is torture committed in public or private, in relationships, perpetrated within families, in human trafficking, in prostitution, in pornographic exploitation, by violent individuals, groups and gangs, dismissed as socio-cultural, traditional or religious acts and norms and can be committed during migration, displacement, in humanitarian and civil unrest, for example.

Many people across the globe have endured non-State torture. However, few countries have enacted laws addressing torture committed by private individuals and groups.

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Jeanne Sarson and Linda MacDonald

What We Do

Since 1993, we have supported women who have survived family and non-family non-State torture and victimizations such  as human trafficking, prostitution, pornographic exploitation and violations from other criminal informal networks.

Our work includes: Public Speaking, Educational Training, Consultation, Mentoring, Research, Active Listening, and Advocacy for government and international recognition and criminalization of non-State torture as a torture crime with a person/victim-centered approach.

Does your country or province have laws in place against non-State torture?

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Network against Non-State Torture
Global Women's Revolution

The Network against Non-State Torture (NNST) is a global, feminist initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of NST through victim-centered advocacy, healing, and political recognition.

The NNST brings together survivors, advocates, lawyers, researchers, artists, and allies committed to ending the invisibility of non-State torture. Join us to help build a survivor-centered movement for recognition, healing, accountability, and transformative change.

Our first conference takes place on November 5, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Our latest book

Healing
Lynn's Story - Getting My-Self Back
The Woman's Revolution

In this their second book, feminist activists Jeanne Sarson and Linda MacDonald share the story of Lynn, one of many women they supported, who was able to heal from more than four years of spousal non-state torture, human trafficking, and exploited into prostitution. Their compassion, expertise, and professionalism opened a path to healing for Lynn and the many others they supported.
Get details and reviews...

Published by FriesenPress

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Latest News

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Parallel Event CSW2026

Our parallel event on Worldwide Recognition of Non-State Torture - Ensuring Justice for all Women and Girls went very well. The room was full and ended with a standing ovation after Jeanette's song. So many telling us they are really understanding why Non-State Torture is an atrocity crime. We connected with so many women and some men truly standing with us.

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Have you survived Non-State Torture?

People frequently ask how they can help. Completing any of our questionnaires helps our research and writing to break the silence on non-State torture that perpetrators inflict in the private or domestic sphere.

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