General questions: The investigator should attempt to obtain as much of the following information as possible through the testimony of the alleged victim: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. Describe the circumstances that lead to torture, including arrest or abduction and detention. What were the dates and times of the torture to your best recollection? When did the last instance of torture occur? Describe, to the best of your knowledge and memory, the persons involved in the arrest, detention, and torture, and whether or not you knew any of them prior to the events relating to the torture. Describe if you remember anything distinct about the perpetrator; for example, their clothing, scars, birthmarks, tattoos, height, weight, anything unusual about the perpetrator’s anatomy, language and accent, and whether the perpetrators were intoxicated at any time. Narrate the content of what you were told or asked. Describe the usual routine in the place of detention and the pattern of illtreatment. Describe the facts of the torture, including the methods of torture used. Were you (or the victim) sexually assaulted. (At this point, the interviewer must first explain the different forms of sexual assault like verbal assaults, disrobing, groping, lewd or humiliating acts or blows or electric shocks to the genitals as these forms of sexual violence are often not taken by the victim as constituting sexual assault). What physical injuries were sustained in the course of, or as a result of, the torture? Describe weapons or other physical objects used, if any. A comprehensive questionnaire designed to obtain evidence from victims of torture is attached herewith as ‘Annexure A’. Questions regarding psychosocial history and pre-arrest If an alleged torture victim is no longer in custody, the examiner should inquire into the person’s: daily life relations with friends and family work or school occupation interests 11