Deprivation is used to torture prisoners for the purpose of breaking down resistance, demonstrate absolute control by the torturers and humiliate the prisoner. The range of deprivation is from total sensory deprivation to being denied access to professional service like medical and legal. Sleep, food, and water deprivation are common. Confinement to cells without the opportunity of exercise or even social contact is used in some cases. Relatives are denied access to prisoners or even the knowledge of their imprisonment.
Torture by deprivation has been reported in countries including: South Africa, Chile, Colombia.