Saudi forum to unify procedures for sexual assault cases and protect victims
The Saudi Society for Forensic Medicine is preparing sexual assault cases next Wednesday, with broad participation from leading experts and specialists. This important event aims to enhance institutional integration among relevant sectors and ensure the protection of victims through the application of internationally recognized best scientific and professional practices.
Unifying medical policies and protocols
Dr. Faisal Al-Zubaidi, a forensic medicine consultant, affirmed that this forum represents a pivotal step towards establishing a unified methodology. It is the first Saudi forum for multidisciplinary medical assessment and policy integration in cases of sexual abuse and assault. This initiative stems from the association's ongoing efforts to enhance the competence of national professionals in handling these complex and sensitive issues, ensuring the application of the highest standards of justice and transparency at all stages of assessment and investigation.
Al-Zubaidi explained that the forum's primary focus will be on integrating efforts across various disciplines—medical, legal, and security—to ensure effective management of abuse cases. Participants will work on developing standardized protocols to prevent procedural conflicts or the loss of rights, thus addressing any procedural gaps that could affect the course of justice.
The importance of forensic documentation and scientific evidence
The experts are scheduled to highlight specific technical aspects, most notably the importance of clinical assessment based on conclusive scientific evidence. This is of paramount importance in the judicial system, as the mechanisms for rigorous forensic documentation of evidence are the cornerstone of ensuring its integrity and preventing its tampering, thus serving the course of justice and safeguarding the rights of all parties.
This increased interest comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing remarkable development in its judicial and health systems, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on quality of life, preserving rights, and developing the legislative and regulatory structure to ensure a vibrant and safe society.
Comprehensive care and humanitarian support for victims
The forum's role extends beyond technical and legal aspects, placing significant emphasis on the humanitarian dimension. Participants will discuss ways to provide comprehensive healthcare, including urgent psychological and social support for victims. The proposed plans include specialized mental health treatment programs to help victims overcome the trauma and minimize long-term psychological effects.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi indicated that preventive medical strategies will be introduced to reduce sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to developing precise plans for the clinical management of suspected cases as soon as they arrive at health facilities, thus ensuring a rapid response and providing a safe haven for affected cases.
Organizational integration and community protection
On an organizational level, the forum aims to establish clear pathways for reporting and protection involving multiple stakeholders. The discussion sessions seek to achieve comprehensive integration within the Kingdom's legal and regulatory framework, thereby strengthening both the social and criminal protection systems. This coordination between security, health, and judicial authorities is a fundamental pillar for ensuring that perpetrators do not escape punishment and for providing a safe environment that encourages victims to report without fear, while guaranteeing complete confidentiality and the highest level of professionalism in handling their reports.
