ABSTRACT
The Istanbul Protocol is the United Nations Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and is a document of international standing. This Chapter provides a summary and key references for the forensic practitioner to understand the scope of the Istanbul Protocol and its relevance to wider forensic practice beyond the assessment of victims of torture. There is explanation of the assessment of the levels of consistency used for interpretation of the probable relationship between physical and psychological findings and alleged torture or other ill-treatment. The key principles around absence of evidence, consideration of other possible causes for findings, the assessment of potential fabrication and the importance of the overall evaluation are discussed. Guidance is also found on medical ethics for forensic practitioners, working with interpreters, issues involving memory, disclosure and inconsistencies, and assessment of victims of violence directed at their sexual orientation or gender identity.
