PHR Toolkits
Physicians for Human Rights Tools & Resources
Skip to content
  • Home
  • Toolkits
    • Asylum and Detention
    • Essential Medicines
    • Health & Human Rights Education
    • Health Access in Massachusetts
    • International Forensic Investigation Course
    • Istanbul Protocol Model Medical Curriculum
    • Medical Neutrality Protection Act
    • Medical Professionalism
    • Student Chapter Toolkit
  • Categories
    • Subjects
    • Issues
    • Uses
  • Downloads & Materials
    • Campaign Specific
    • Forms & Letters
    • Letterhead & Stationery
    • Logos & Graphics
    • Model Curriculum
    • Posters & Stickers
    • Slideshows & Media
    • General/Other
  • Resources & Links
    • Physicians for Human Rights
    • National Student Program
    • Articles
    • Books
    • Reports
    • Social Media
    • Networks, Groups & Forums
    • Online Tools
    • Important Organizations
    • Blogs of Interest
    • Relevant Websites
  • PHR
  • Contact
Gathering of evidence
Quality of information
Toolkits > Istanbul Protocol Model Medical Curriculum > Module 2: Istanbul Protocol Standards for Medical Documentation of Torture and Medical Ethics > Documenting the allegations > Essential information

Essential information

Printable Page Printable Page

In all cases, in addition to the medical evidence and information, the following non-medical details should be viewed as useful and often crucial information regardless of the purpose of documentation:

  • Identity of the victim. This should include full name, gender, age, occupation, and address. Date of birth is a useful identifier when the name is a common one; often the year is known although it might not correspond to the age given. Additional useful information would be a description of appearance, a photograph, and any relevant records that may exist on the individual, such as medical files from the time before the alleged abuse.
  • Identity of the perpetrators. This might include the identification of a particular individual or individuals. However, to establish responsibility of the state for a violation, it might be enough to show the connection with the state. Relevant information would detail whether they were members of a specific security force such as police or military and, if possible, their names and rank. If unsure, then a description of uniforms, vehicles, weapons or any identifying characteristics will assist in the determination. Note, for legal and human rights reasons, great care should be taken in making allegations that particular individuals have been involved in torture. These are, after all, allegations of serious criminality.
  • Description of how the individual came into the hands of the perpetrators. This should include whether the person was officially arrested, what reason was given for taking the person into custody, the time and date this took place, and whether there was use of violence or restraints.
  • Description of the location where the abuse took place. This may have been a prison, a police detention facility, a military installation, or any other institution or location, even an outdoor space. Additional useful information would be a description of the conditions in which the individual was held, including size, content of the room, lighting, hygiene, presence of others, and access to lawyers, visitors, and medical care.
  • Description of the form of abuse. Where did it occur? What happened? When? By whom? How often? How long did it last? And what effects did it have on the immediately and later? There should be a detailed description of exactly what occurred, and how frequently. Presence of anyone else in the room during the interview, whether detainees, security personnel or others, should be mentioned. Any instruments used should be noted. What were the immediate and long-term effects of the abuse? If the alleged victim received medical attention, or requested it and the request was denied, directly before, during, or after the abuse, this should all be detailed.
  • Possible witnesses. Were there others present at the time of the abuse. Who were they? What was their role (for example, other detainees)? Did others see the individual immediately after the ill-treatment (for example, cellmates or prison medical staff)?
Gathering of evidence
Quality of information
Printable Page Printable Page
  • Search

  • Istanbul Protocol Model Medical Curriculum

    • Preface
      • Copyright and Acknowledgements
      • Resources
      • Glossary
    • Introduction
      • Curriculum Materials
      • Summary of Content
      • How to Use These Educational Resources
    • Module 1: International Legal Standards (Overview)
      • Torture
        • What is Torture
        • Purpose of Torture
        • History of Torture
        • Other Definitions
        • Cruel Inhuman & Degrading Treatment & Punishment (CID)
        • Prohibition of Torture in International Law
        • The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 1984
        • Torture in the World Today
        • Country-Specific Legal Standards and Torture Practices
        • The Perpetrators
        • Common Situations for Torture Allegations
        • Where Does Torture and Ill-treatment Occur?
        • Obligation to Investigate and Bring Justice
        • Formal Inspection of Detention Facilities
        • Official Complaints to Human Rights Bodies and Other Organizations
        • Recently Released Detainees
        • NGO Information Gathering
        • Late Allegations
      • Prevention and Accountability
        • Prevention
        • Accountability
        • Reparation
      • International Supervisory Machinery and Complaints Procedures
        • The Human Rights Committee
        • The UN Committee against Torture
        • Regional Mechanisms
        • Other monitoring mechanisms
        • The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment
        • International criminal courts and tribunals
        • The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
      • Safeguards Against Torture for Those Deprived of Their Liberty
        • Notifying people of their rights
        • Use of officially recognized places of detention and the maintenance of effective custody records
        • Avoiding incommunicado detention
        • Humane conditions of detention
        • Limits on interrogation
        • Access to a lawyer and respect for the functions of a lawyer
        • Access to a doctor
        • The right to challenge the lawfulness of detention
        • Safeguards for special categories of detainees
      • Module 1 Presentation: International Legal Standards
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 1 Answers
    • Module 2: Istanbul Protocol Standards for Medical Documentation of Torture and Medical Ethics
      • The Istanbul Protocol
        • About the Istanbul Protocol
        • Brief History
        • International Recognition of the Istanbul Protocol
      • An Overview of the Istanbul Protocol
        • Legal Investigation of Torture
        • General Considerations for Interviews
        • Physical Evidence of Torture
        • Psychological Evidence of Torture
        • Interpretation of Findings and Referrals
        • Misuse of the Istanbul Protocol
        • Procedural Safeguards for Detainees
      • Medical Ethics
        • Introduction
        • Duties of the health professional
        • International Codes
        • Ethical rules directly prohibiting involvement in torture
        • Primary loyalty to the patient
        • Dual Obligations
        • The treatment of prisoners and detainees
        • Issues surrounding examinations of individuals in the presence of security forces
        • Abusive medical treatment
        • Consent and confidentiality
        • Security
        • Involvement of other health professionals in torture
        • Seeking further information and support
        • Country-specific legal responsibilities of health professionals for forensic documentation of torture and ill-treatment
      • General Guidelines for Gathering Evidence and Documenting Findings
        • The aims and goals of investigation
        • Multidisciplinary approach to documentation
        • Role of the health professional in the team
        • Role of the lawyer in the team
        • Role of the NGO member in the team
        • Role of judges and prosecutors
      • Documenting the allegations
        • The aim of medical documentation
        • Types of evidence
        • Medical evidence
        • Gathering of evidence
        • Essential information
        • Quality of information
        • Comparing records
      • Module 2 Presentation: Istanbul Protocol Standards for Medical Documentation of Torture and Medical Ethics
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 2 Answers
    • Module 3: Interview Considerations
      • Preliminary Considerations
        • Purpose of Medical Evaluations
        • Interview Settings
        • Trust
        • Informed Consent
        • Confidentiality
        • Privacy
        • Empathy
        • Objectivity
        • Safety and Security
        • Procedural Safeguards for Detainees
        • Risk of Re-traumatisation
        • Gender Considerations
        • Interviewing Children
        • Cultural and Religious Awareness
        • Working with Interpreters
        • Transference and Counter-Transference Reactions
      • Conducting Interviews
        • Types of questions
        • Cognitive Techniques
        • Summarising and clarifying
        • Difficulties Recalling and Recounting
        • Assessing Inconsistencies
      • Interview Content
        • Identification and Introduction
        • Psychosocial History (Pre-Arrest)
        • Past Medical History
        • Summary of Detention(s) and Abuse
        • Circumstances of Detention(s)
        • Prison/Detention Place Conditions
        • Allegations of Torture and Ill-treatment
        • Review of Symptoms
        • Psychosocial History (post-arrest)
        • Assessments of Physical and Psychological Evidence
        • Physical Examination
        • Closing
        • Indications for Referral
      • Module 3 Presentation: Interview Considerations
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 3 Answers
    • Module 4: Torture Methods and their Medical Consequences
      • Introduction
      • Torture Methods
        • Beatings/Falanga
        • Ear Trauma
        • Eye Trauma
        • Restraint, Shackling and Positional Torture
        • Suspension
        • Crushing and Stretching Injuries
        • Burning
        • Electrical injuries
        • Asphyxiation
        • Violent Shaking
        • Sexual Assault
        • Sexual Humiliation
        • Prolonged Isolation and Sensory Deprivation
        • Sleep Deprivation
        • Temperature Manipulation
        • Sensory Bombardment
        • Threats of Harm
      • Psychological Consequences of Torture
        • Introduction
        • The Paradox of Psychological Consequences of Torture
        • The Psychological Consequences of Torture
        • Social, Political and Cultural Context
        • Risk factors for Trauma and Torture-Related Disorders
        • Psychological Symptoms
      • Module 4 Presentation: Torture Methods and their Medical Consequences
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 4 Answers
    • Module 5: Physical Evidence of Torture and Ill-Treatment
      • Physical Evidence of Torture
        • Medical history
      • The Physical Examination
        • Dermatologic Evaluation
        • Head and Neck
        • Chest and Abdomen
        • Musculoskeletal System
      • Neurological Examination
        • Head Trauma and Post-traumatic Epilepsy
        • Nerve Damage
      • Examination of Women
        • Examination Following a Recent Assault
        • Examination After the Immediate Phase
        • Follow-up
        • Genital Examination of Women
      • Genital Examination of Men
      • Perianal Examination
      • Medical Photography
        • Assessment for Referral
      • Diagnostic Tests
      • Module 5 Presentation: Physical Evidence of Torture and Ill-Treatment
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 5 Answers
    • Module 6: Psychological Evidence of Torture and Ill-Treatment
      • The Central Role of the Psychological Evaluation
        • Conducting the Psychological Evaluation
        • Psychological Findings and Diagnostic Considerations
        • Components of the Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
      • Children and Torture
        • Introduction
        • Developmental Considerations
        • Clinical Considerations
        • Role of the Family
      • Apendix I: Sample Psychological Evaluations
        • Psychological Evaluation #1
        • Psychological Evaluation #2
      • Apendix II: ICD-10
      • Module 6 Presentation: Psychological Evidence of Torture and Ill-Treatment
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 6 Answers
    • Module 7: Case Example #01
      • Introduction
      • Preliminary Considerations
      • Materials
      • Module 7 Presentation: Case Example #01
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 7 Answers
    • Module 8: Case Example #02
      • Introduction
      • Preliminary Considerations
      • Materials
      • Module 8 Presentation: Case Example #02
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 8 Answers
    • Module 9: Report Writing and Testifying in Court
      • Written Reports
        • General Considerations
        • Content of Written Reports
        • Conclusions
        • Inconsistencies
      • Providing Testimony in Court
      • Appendix: Court Testimony Guidelines and Maxims
      • Module 9 Presentation: Report Writing and Testifying in Court
      • Self-Assessment and Quiz
        • Module 9 Answers
  • Twitter Flickr Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Change.org
  • Toolkit Administration

    • Register
    • Log in
  • PHR Links

    • Physicians for Human Rights
    • About PHR
    • Blog
    • Press Room
    • Library
    • Student Program
    • Donate
    • Join
    • Subscribe
    • Take Action
    • Contact
  • RSS Press Releases

    • Trump’s Texas Visit Highlights Damage Caused by Anti-Immigrant Policies, COVID-19 Failures
    • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Endangered Detained Immigrants, Violated Human Rights During Pandemic: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Investigation
    • El Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de los Estados Unidos puso en peligro y violó los derechos humanos de los inmigrantes detenidos durante la pandemia: Investigación de Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
    • Court Delivers Justice for Several Survivors of Post-Election Sexual Violence in Kenya
    • By Design or Neglect, Syrian Government Has Damaged Health System, Suppressed COVID-19 Data in Daraa: PHR Report
  • RSS Blog

    • Trump’s Texas Visit Highlights Damage Caused by Anti-Immigrant Policies, COVID-19 Failures
    • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Endangered Detained Immigrants, Violated Human Rights During Pandemic: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Investigation
    • El Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de los Estados Unidos puso en peligro y violó los derechos humanos de los inmigrantes detenidos durante la pandemia: Investigación de Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
    • Court Delivers Justice for Several Survivors of Post-Election Sexual Violence in Kenya
    • By Design or Neglect, Syrian Government Has Damaged Health System, Suppressed COVID-19 Data in Daraa: PHR Report
  • RSS In the News

    • Trump’s Texas Visit Highlights Damage Caused by Anti-Immigrant Policies, COVID-19 Failures
    • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Endangered Detained Immigrants, Violated Human Rights During Pandemic: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Investigation
    • El Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de los Estados Unidos puso en peligro y violó los derechos humanos de los inmigrantes detenidos durante la pandemia: Investigación de Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
    • Court Delivers Justice for Several Survivors of Post-Election Sexual Violence in Kenya
    • By Design or Neglect, Syrian Government Has Damaged Health System, Suppressed COVID-19 Data in Daraa: PHR Report

Physicians for Human Rights, 2 Arrow Street, Suite 301, Cambridge, MA 02138  |  Tel 617.301.4200  |  Fax 617.301.4250
© Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) 2010