Department Of Health Research (DHR), Forensic Medical Care For Victims Of Sexual Assault, DHR Guidelines, 2013

1. While carrying out medical tests no third person must be present in the room other than the doctor. If the doctor is male, a female attendant must be there.
Note: POCSO law allows presence of a parent and/or a trusted adult during medical examination
2. Doctors are asked not to use word rape in their opinion, as it is a legal definition and not a medical diagnosis.
3. For the first time, names of samples, its preservative and purpose of analysis for forensic lab has to be printed itself on the form before sending it to Forensic Science Laboratory.
4. A provision for DNA analysis has also been done. A separate form for medical management as a check list has been provided too.
5. The new set of rules also provide comprehensive care which must address issues such as physical injuries, STDs, HIV, Hepatitis B, etc
6. Psychological effects must be recognised and the patient shall be provided counselling, social support and appropriate referrals.
7. The doctors should examine cases without an FIR even before receiving police requisition if the survivor reports to the hospital first.
8. Final Opinion must be evidence based as per physical findings of first examination, follow up examination and results of Forensic Science Laboratory examination. History or information supplied by police or others should not influence opinion of examiner.
9. The maligned two-finger test that was used by doctors to opine whether the girl is habituated to sexual intercourse or not, has been outlawed and it is no way scientific and shall not be performed.
10. It is mandatory for the forensic medical report to state precisely the reasons for each conclusion.
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TOOLKIT FOR PRIMARY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:
The toolkit is designed mainly for use by primary care health professionals including doctors, nurses and counsellors. It provides simple information on the impact of sexual assault and rape on a woman’s mental health and how health professionals can evaluate and respond to these issues within their professional practice. It is basic and simple.
Click here for toolkit developed in accordance with above guidelines