Torture is defined in various ways, but according to the "UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading treatment or Punishment", torture is present when the following three factors are fulfilled:

• Strong pain or suffering is inflicted, either physically or mentally
• Forced confessions, information, or punishments are sought
• A public authority carries out, encourages or consents to the use of torture 

The purpose of torture is not to kill, but to break down the personality of individuals. Torture is often used as a political instrument to help the rulers to keep control in the country. Torture is especially known from states that rest on one single party of one particular political or religious opinion. By breaking down people's personalities and in that way suppressing a population, the possibility arises to weaken the political resistance. By afflicting random people as well, fear will arise in the population. The purpose of torture may also be to force prisoners to become informers.

Often, methods that do not create permanent, visible damage are used in order to make it difficult to document torture. The torture methods can be both physical and mental.