Centre for Enquiry Into Health and Allied ThemesDeveloping healthcare response to Sexual Violence (2007 Onwards)
The project attempts to evolve a model for comprehensive response to sexual assault at the level of the health system. It would involve sensitization and capacity building of health professionals on the issue of sexual violence and thus develop a comprehensive model of response to sexual assault at the level of the health system that includes sensitive evidence collection, provision of psychosocial support and appropriate testing and prophylaxis for sexually transmitted diseases.
As part of this project CEHAT implemented a protocol, the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Kit (Safe Kit) which was developed by CEHAT in two peripheral municipal hospitals i.e, Rajawadi Hospital and Oshiwara Maternity Home in Mumbai. Along with the implementation of the protocol, sensitisation and capacity building of health professionals was carried out on the issue of sexual violence. The process of handling the victims of sexual assault in these hospitals was documented and found gaps in relation to obtaining consent, recording of history, preserving confidentiality of victims and provision of care, even after comprehensive protocol that had been implemented. Also it has been found that it is crucial to be able to provide basic emotional support to such women, facilitate the process of examination and evidence collection and provide required assistance to these women. CEHAT till now has provided support to 15 such women.
Development on CEHAT intervention application : An update 
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CEHAT filed a review petition in the High court order on 28th July 2011 requesting the honourable court to look at the lacuane in the GOM submitted revised Proforma and manual and therefore stop the circulation of the Proforma and manual for implementation in Maharashtra. The court admitted the application and asked all parties concerned to meet and discuss the lacuane and file their responses on 6th August 2011. (High court order 28th July 2011) |
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This was followed by a joint meeting organized by the DHS and CEHAT on 6th August 2011 where experts from the field of health, law, gynecology, forensic medicine, women’s rights activist and the like were invited to present their opinion on the Proformas and manual (MOM, 6th August 2011). CEHAT also sought WHO technical opinion on the Maharashtra proformas and manual thereby requesting the committee to abide by international standards of treatment, care and examination of sexual assault. The meeting ended with the committee members agreeing to consider suggestions especially about seeking informed consent from the survivor of sexual assault, right to comprehensive treatment, reducing the overemphasis on injuries to hymen and redrafting the medical opinion. National CourseNational Course on Comprehensive Healthcare Response to Survivors of Sexual Assault
ABOUT THE COURSESexual violence is known to have significant negative impact on physical and psychological health of survivors. Survivors often seek medical assistance at a health facility. Comprehensive, gender-sensitive healthcare is essential to aid survivor’s recovery. Healthcare providers are also expected to document and collect evidence regarding the assault, which is crucial for prosecution. Additionally, the health sector can act as an important referral point for other services that the survivor may need, such as social welfare and legal aid. Healthcare providers thus have a crucial role in responding to survivors of sexual assault. The WHO recommends standard guidelines for providing comprehensive medico-legal care and support to survivors. COURSE OBJECTIVESThis course will equip healthcare providers with an understanding of:
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