Guidelines and Protocols: Medico-legal Care for Survivors/Victims of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a significant cause of physical and psychological harm and suffering for The health concerns of survivors/victims of sexual violence, and their right to health is an issue of importance. These protocol and guidelines recognize the role of health sector in strengthening legal frameworks, developing comprehensive and multi-sectoral national strategies for preventing and eliminating all forms of sexual violence. Through these, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposes to provide clear directives to all health facilities to ensure that all survivors of all forms of sexual violence, rape and incest, including people that face marginalisation based on disability, sexual orientation, caste, religion, class, have immediate access to health care services that includes immediate and follow up treatment, post rape care including emergency contraception, post exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention and access to safe abortion services, police protection, emergency shelter, documentation of cases, forensic services and referrals for legal aid and other services.