It could be that, it also could be physical abuse and coercion used as a message to others in a similar grasp by the abusers. It could be both. I think there’s symbology to the abuse to correspond with the “eye of providence” type cover one eye gay stuff but I genuinely believe that reminders of the reality of physical abuse to the elite untouchable class is powerful. If you’ve been removed from the threat of physical retaliation for so long due to immense wealth and power a reminder of the horrors of torture probably has a significant impression.