Torture refers to the purposeful inflicting of extreme pain–whether mental or physical–by government
officials, or by private individuals at the instigation of government officials. This includes the use of physical and other force by police and prison guards – including rape and beatings – as well as deaths
in custody due to tangible negligence by government officials. Torture can be anything from simple beatings to other practices such as waterboarding, rape, or administering shock or electrocution as a
means of getting information or a forced confession. Torture also takes into account intentional mental abuse of those in custody. Military hazing also counts as torture.
Scoring Scheme:
Torture is:
(0) Practiced frequently
(1) Practiced occasionally
(2) Not practiced / Unreported
Type of variable: Categorical
Downloaded by QoG on: 2023-08-29
Last updated by source: 2023-08-27
| Dataset | No. Countries |
|---|---|
| Basic cross-section: | 194 |
| Basic time-series: | 202 |
| Standard cross-section: | 194 |
| Standard time-series: | 202 |
| OECD cross-section: | 38 |
| OECD time-series: | 39 |
| Dataset | Available for years: |
|---|---|
| Standard time-series: | 1981-2021 |
| Basic time-series: | 1981-2021 |
| OECD time-series: | 1981-2021 |