1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

The Judge Rotenberg Center's use of electric shock devices on disabled individuals is unethical and inhumane. These aversive techniques, which the United Nations has condemned as torture, inflict severe physical and psychological harm on vulnerable people. The center's rationale of controlling self-injurious behavior is inadequate justification for such abusive practices when ethical alternatives exist across the country. This facility stands alone in its barbaric use of electric shocks as punishment for behaviors associated with disabilities like autism. Shockingly, they have shocked people for actions like hand-flapping, standing up, swearing, or simply making noises intrinsic to their condition. This cruel and dehumanizing treatment has caused burns, paralysis, trauma, and mental health issues in victims. Despite the FDA initially banning these devices due to their dangers, the Judge Rotenberg Center persists through legal loopholes, utterly disregarding the widespread consensus that this constitutes institutional abuse and torture of the disabled community. We cannot allow this horrific violation of human rights and dignity to continue. Decisive action must be taken to permanently halt the Judge Rotenberg Center's unconscionable practices and explore ethical, evidence-based treatment promoting autonomy and well-being for all.