National protocol for examining cases of sexual assault and the role of forensic medicine
In a significant step aimed at strengthening the justice and healthcare systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Faisal Al-Zubaidi, a forensic medicine consultant and executive director of the Saudi Society for Forensic Medicine, announced the launch of a comprehensive package of recommendations and regulatory initiatives. This step comes as a culmination of the first Saudi Forum for Multidisciplinary Medical Assessment, which focused primarily on policy integration in cases of sexual abuse and assault.
Details of the unified national protocol
Dr. Al-Zubaidi explained that the most significant outcome of this medical and legal initiative was the adoption of a comprehensive "unified clinical pathway" for handling all cases of sexual assault and harassment across all age groups. This protocol aims to standardize the procedures for admission, assessment, medical examination, and treatment, ensuring the provision of high-quality healthcare that preserves the dignity of victims while simultaneously supporting the integrity of legal proceedings and the meticulous documentation of forensic evidence.
The approved protocol includes precise mechanisms for examining physical injuries and providing necessary preventative treatment after an assault, as well as strict policies for handling suspected cases of anesthesia or poisoning related to assaults. These policies include specific procedures for collecting and preserving biological samples according to a "chain of custody" to ensure their reliability when sent to toxicology and forensic centers.
Digital transformation and electronic connectivity
In line with the Kingdom's digital transformation, the activation of a direct electronic link between forensic medicine departments, the Public Prosecution, and security agencies was announced. This strategic step aims to expedite procedures, reduce the time required to initiate investigations, ensure the preservation of evidence, and enhance the reliability of forensic medical documentation, thus contributing to the swift administration of justice.
The importance of forensic medicine in the justice system
This event is of paramount importance in the local context, as forensics is a cornerstone of criminal cases. The development of these protocols aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and enhance the efficiency of government agencies. Standardizing procedures not only reduces human error but also guarantees the rights of all parties and provides conclusive scientific evidence for the judiciary.
Psychological care and staff training
The protocol did not overlook the humanitarian and psychological aspects, with Al-Zubaidi emphasizing the need to involve social workers in the initial assessment and to activate referrals to psychiatric services to ensure comprehensive care for victims and help them recover. The development of specialized training programs for healthcare personnel was also discussed, including the introduction of a nursing certification for sexual assault screening (SANE) to ensure professional and ethical handling of these sensitive cases.
Al-Zubaidi concluded by emphasizing the activation of remote forensic medicine consultation services in cooperation with virtual health, which ensures access to specialized expertise in remote areas and raises the efficiency of forensic medical services throughout the Kingdom.
