BAfF e. V.

The Nationwide Working Group of Psychosocial Centers for Refugees and Torture Victims (BAfF e.V.) is the umbrella organization of psychosocial centers, facilities, and initiatives in Germany that are dedicated to the psychosocial and therapeutic care of refugees and survivors of torture and other violence. Founded in 1996, the BAfF is based in Berlin and represents 47 psychosocial treatment centers, initiatives, and facilities[3][4].

The BAfF is guided by the principle of upholding human rights, particularly the right to life, physical integrity, and health. It advocates for full protection and equal rights for refugees and survivors of torture and other violence. This is based on international agreements such as the Geneva Refugee Convention, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the UN Convention Against Torture[3][4].

• Psychosocial and Therapeutic Care: The BAfF offers comprehensive psychosocial and therapeutic support for refugees and torture victims, including medical, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
• Projects and Research: The BAfF develops and implements projects such as the BeSAFE project, which aims to identify the special protection needs of refugees early in the reception process and establish appropriate care structures[1][2].
• Professional Exchange and Standards: The BAfF promotes professional exchange among member centers and develops ethical and professional standards for the treatment of traumatized refugees and victims of organized violence[3][4].
• Further Education and Networking: The BAfF organizes training sessions, conferences, and collaboration with training institutions. It networks treatment centers at national, European, and international levels[3][4].

• International Work: The BAfF supports civil society initiatives in crisis regions, such as in Ukraine, and promotes the work of health professionals and activists on the ground[5].
• Quality Assurance and Evaluation: The BAfF ensures the quality assurance of identified protection needs and continuously evaluates projects and measures to ensure optimal care[1][2].
• Public Relations and Lobbying: The BAfF advocates for awareness of the consequences of organized violence and life in exile in public and professional circles and represents common concerns to political decision-makers[3][4].

• Conferences and Events: The BAfF regularly organizes conferences, such as the conference on psychosocial care for children and adolescents, to discuss current challenges and solutions[5].
• Publications and Research: The BAfF publishes materials that highlight and improve pathways to rehabilitation for asylum seekers with experiences of torture[5].

The BAfF continuously works to improve the living conditions of refugees and survivors of torture and violence in Germany and internationally by consolidating professional expertise, developing standards, and promoting strong networking.

• 1 - https://www.gewaltschutz-gu.de/projekte/archiv/besafe
• 2 - https://www.gewaltschutz-gu.de/projekte/besafe-fachstelle-zur-identifizierung-besonderer-schutzbedarfe-konzeption-und-vorbereitung
• 3 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundesweite_Arbeitsgemeinschaft_der_psychosozialen_Zentren_f%C3%BCr_Fl%C3%BCchtlinge_und_Folteropfer
• 4 - https://www.baff-zentren.org/baff/ueber-die-baff/
• 5 - https://www.baff-zentren.org