Conferencia Especial: Protocolo de las 72 horas

Summary

Roberto Pérez discusses the '72-Hour Protocol' designed for victims of sexual assault, emphasizing the critical importance of timely medical and forensic intervention. The protocol activates within 72 hours of the assault, allowing for the administration of antiretroviral treatment to prevent HIV transmission and the collection of evidence for legal proceedings. Pérez explains the collaborative efforts between judicial and medical authorities, as well as the steps for victim support, including medical exams, psychological assistance, and handling both minors and adults. Victims are encouraged to seek help immediately for both health and legal protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 72-hour protocol is an inter-institutional procedure aimed at assisting victims of sexual assault within the first 72 hours to collect evidence and offer medical care.
• 😀 The protocol focuses on both forensic and clinical care for victims, including prophylactic treatment to prevent HIV transmission when possible.
• 😀 Victims need to approach the judiciary or public prosecutor's office within 72 hours for the protocol to be activated and effective.
• 😀 The 72-hour window is critical because studies show that antiretroviral drugs are most effective when administered within this time frame after exposure to potential HIV infection.
• 😀 The protocol ensures that victims, regardless of their age, receive specialized support from legal, medical, and social services during the investigation and treatment process.
• 😀 For minors, a social worker from the judicial branch accompanies them through the process to provide emotional and psychological support.
• 😀 The protocol is available nationwide, and victims can access it at any of the Ministry of Public Prosecutor's offices or judiciary locations across the country.
• 😀 Victims should avoid bathing or using the restroom after an assault to preserve biological evidence that may be critical for the investigation.
• 😀 Victims can receive medical care even if they don't have personal identification documents. The protocol is free and accessible regardless of documentation status.
• 😀 In cases where the attacker is a known individual, investigations tend to be less complex, but when the perpetrator is unknown, more extensive efforts are required to identify them and gather evidence.

Q & A

What is the 72-Hour Protocol and its purpose?

The 72-Hour Protocol is an interinstitutional procedure designed to help victims of sexual assault within 72 hours of the incident. Its main purpose is to ensure the timely collection of forensic evidence, provide medical care (including HIV prevention treatment), and offer psychological support to the victims.

Why is the 72-Hour timeframe critical in this protocol?

The 72-Hour timeframe is crucial because medical research indicates that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is most effective if administered within 72 hours of exposure. The early collection of evidence also increases the chances of successful investigation and prosecution.

What are the key steps involved in the 72-Hour Protocol after a victim reports a sexual assault?

After a victim reports a sexual assault within 72 hours, the protocol includes several steps: the formal filing of a report, a forensic medical examination to collect evidence and take biological samples, and the victim is referred to a medical center for possible HIV prophylaxis. The victim also receives psychological support throughout the process.

What happens during the forensic medical examination under this protocol?

During the forensic medical examination, a doctor conducts a physical examination of the victim to document any injuries and collect biological samples that may be used as evidence. These samples are sent to forensic labs for analysis, which may aid in identifying the perpetrator.

How are victims of sexual assault supported psychologically under the protocol?

Victims are offered psychological support by specialized professionals throughout the process. If the victim is a minor, a social worker accompanies them, providing emotional support and guidance during the legal and medical procedures.

What role do hospitals play in the 72-Hour Protocol?

Hospitals such as San Juan de Dios, Calderón Guardia, and Mexico Hospital are key partners in the 72-Hour Protocol. They provide the necessary medical care, including emergency gynecological treatment and the administration of HIV prophylaxis if required, within the critical 72-hour window.

Can victims of sexual assault access the protocol even if they do not have identification documents?

Yes, victims can still access the protocol even if they do not have identification documents. The authorities will assist them with the report and treatment, ensuring that no documentation is required to receive care or file a report.

What advice is given to victims of sexual assault regarding evidence preservation?

Victims are advised not to bathe, change clothes, or use any personal hygiene products such as sanitary pads, as this may destroy crucial evidence. It is also recommended that victims use a neutral daily sanitary pad to preserve biological evidence that may be relevant for the investigation.

What should a victim of sexual assault do immediately after the attack?

The victim should seek immediate medical attention and report the assault as soon as possible. If they are unsure where to go, they can contact emergency services (911), and they will be guided to the nearest facility where they can receive care and file a report.

How complex are investigations of sexual assault cases under this protocol?

The complexity of investigations depends on whether the perpetrator is known or unknown to the victim. If the perpetrator is known, the investigation tends to be less complicated. However, when the assailant is a stranger, the investigation requires additional efforts to gather evidence and identify the perpetrator.