``Doctor, could I have a copy of the certificate?'' Pluricentric study on the application of the decrees of 31 March 2021 and 23 November 2021
Résumé
On 31 March 2021, a decree was published in the Official Journal concerning the procedures for the delivery of medical certificates to victims of violence. These victims can now obtain a copy of the certificate drafted by the doctor required by the judicial authorities, particularly as regards medical examiners. Purpose. - The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the March 31, 2021 decree on victims' requests to the medical examiner for a copy of the medical certificate. Methods. - This prospective study was conducted among three forensic services receiving victims in consultation, using a paper questionnaire linked to Medle data, over a three-month period. Results. - Of the 1,492 consultations conducted during the study period, a copy of the certificate was only given to the victim in 13.1 % of the consultations. It was requested spontaneously by the victim in 15.2 % of cases, most often to exercise his right (46.4 %). These were primarily consultations following an accident, psychological abuse, and assault. This copy was requested spontaneously by less than 3 % of victims of domestic violence. There was some disparity between the three centres regarding the minor victim. Conclusion. - This study is a small sample over a short period. The information of the victims, especially of domestic violence, on access to the copy of the medical-legal certificate seems still insufficient, and the principle of surrender, when it can help the victim in his efforts, can also be a source of confusion. (C) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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