Sangeeta RegeSana ContractorCentre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT)

Development of a model for examination and collection in cases of sexual assault/Rape, called Sexual Assault and Forensic evidence kit (SAFE KIT) in 1998.

This kit is based on the Ontario Police Force kit used in Canada. Extensive feedback was sought from several forensic experts, gynecologists, public health experts and women’s rights groups.

Manual for Safe kit usage Protocol Equipments required for collecting

evidence.

Medical history , sexual assault history , nature of evidence collected and treatment provided

Body maps to record injuries(for both male and female bodies)

Tables for Tanner Staging for boys and girls are provided for age estimation

 

Negotiation with the Hospital Authorities to implement SAFE KIT in 2 Public Hospitals in April 2008. These were:• Rajawadi - a 500-bed, well equipped

hospital;&• Oshiwara Maternity home - an extension

centre of the Cooper hospital. Agreement over conducting periodical training

on understanding sexual violence, provision of crisis intervention by CEHAT team and documentation of the experience of using the kit.

Trainings conducted for: Defining sexual violence. Addressing Myths and Facts related to sexual

violence. Use of Case studies to facilitate the use of the

SAFE KIT

Mandatory Admission Mandatory Police case. Patients shuttled from major tertiary hospital

to maternity home for examination. Discharge date prolonged till evidence is sent

to Forensic laboratory. X-rays/ USG/ and procedures conducted

rampantly Option of partial evidence collection not

given to women

Lack of confidentiality, privacy Lack of belief in the woman's story Precedence of forensic role over clinical

role. Multiple players in the chain of custody.

Review and change obsolete procedures related to management and care of victims of Rape

Clarify ambiguity between forensic and clinical role of Doctors

Evolve a multidisciplinary team to respond to various needs of the victims

Obtaining consent of survivor before collecting evidence and explaining the importance of such evidence

Collection and documentation of evidence A clear and fool proof chain of custody

that preserves evidence collected Providing medical care Providing psychological support Referral and follow up for further care