The mental state exam begins the moment the health professional meets the subject. The interviewer should make note of the person’s...

It would facilitate the recognition of physical consequences of torture if health profes- sionals were familiar with the physical...

Perianal examination ​ The examination of the patient alleging sexual torture is not technically different from a general anogenital...

Gynaecologic In many countries, acts of sexual violence are a common method of torture or inhuman treatment inflicted on women. It is...

Urological Severe beating to the kidney region may give rise to the development of haematoma in and/or around the kidney. In many cases,...

Gastrointestinal ​ Acute torture-related symptoms have been described after having a foreign body in- serted into the anus. Lesions of ...

Cardio-pulmonary ​ Certain types of torture particularly lead to pulmonary complications. Beatings to the chest may cause damage to the...

Neurological ​ Acute central nerve neurological problems are associated with severe beating to the head. Of 200 torture victims, 58% had...

Bones and joints ​ Beatings and falls can lead to fractures of bones. In the acute setting it is generally possible to diagnose a...

Lower limbs ​ Scars on the knees and shins are common in many people, especially those who have played contact sports. Thus lesions in...

Exceeding the normal range of movement in a joint or loading the joint by traction, as in suspension and other types of positional...

Complaints of musculoskeletal aches and pains are very common in torture survivors, immediately as well as later. They may be the result...

Partial asphyxiation is very frightening for the victim and torturers have used many methods of causing it. These include putting plastic...

Small wounds to the backs of the hands can be caused by punching or being hit. Wounds on the backs of the forearm could be defense...

Repeated or hard slaps to the ear can damage the eardrum. However, the presence of scars in the tympanic membrane (ear drum) could also...

Broken or missing teeth can be evidence of assault, but if the oral hygiene is generally poor, conclusively connecting broken teeth to...

Bruises and scars on the scalp may be difficult to find, especially if the hair is thick. Bruises will usually be tender to touch. Head...

Look for sub-conjunctival hemorrhages (bleeding in the white of the eye). Some victims/survivors may complain of soreness in the eye...

Injuries, scars, lesions etc. on the face can be particularly distressing because they are constant reminders of the torture. Injuries...

Electric shocks are commonly used because they cause severe pain but may not leave identifiable physical signs. The equipment can be...