Who is this site meant for?

This site does not cover the situation where the victim of torture is dead when first examined. For this refer to The Guidelines for autopsy in custodial death by the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT) 2020.

Most of the content is drawn from

The Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2022 edition)

This site is for

1. Healthcare personnel to recognize, document and respond to torture. It includes all health personnel such as forensic doctors, general practitioners, nurses and other clinicians working with individuals who have suffered from ill-treatment, including torture.

2. Lawyers and activists who work closely with people in custody and importantly for people who have a family member, friend or acquaintance in police custody as well as the incarcerated person themselves. Understanding what constitutes torture, what are the national and international frameworks that protect people against torture, especially those who because of some markers, become much more vulnerable to state supported torture will be a first step in holding the police and judiciary accountable.