THEMATIC REPORT 2017 SEXUAL TORTURE Key Action 7: Document sexual torture Documenting evidence and gathering data about sexual torture strengthens the rehabilitation process more broadly for survivors. Demonstrating that sexual torture is widespread and not limited to a small number of cases puts pressure on national governments to take action, can help to address the stigmatisation of sexual violence in society and to raise public awareness of the issue and may, indirectly encourage survivors to speak up. Successful prosecution of perpetrators encourages more victims to testify, adds greater credibility to their evidence and increases their likelihood of securing a conviction. Key action 7 Document sexual torture Rehabilitation centres can record and analyse clinical data gathered in interviews with clients to monitor trends or patterns, to identify the most effective approaches to rehabilitation, to support evidence-based anti-impunity work, to mobilise the public and to target governments to take action. Individual cases should be documented according to the standards set out in the Istanbul Protocol. The documentation of legal cases by NGOs working with lawyers and academic research carried out by universities will also add to this body of literature. • Governments and state institutions may be unwilling to disclose information, take responsibility, or may actively cover up evidence and cases of sexual torture. Challenges: • There is a lack of documentation, research and data about sexual torture. • Survivors are reluctant to come forward due to stigma and fear. Recommendations: • Rehabilitation centres and NGOs should continue to document sexual torture and gather and analyse clinical data in a systematic manner. • All stakeholders collecting data on sexual torture should share their findings and integrate them in joint projects of interdisciplinary and international analysis. “With regard to more long-term considerations, the DFI database to collect data on patients is a tool that is very useful for documentation, reporting, and advocacy. One of our objectives is also to use it for informing and campaigning.” CCTI Mexico page 33