« Docteur, pourrais-je avoir une copie du certificat ? » Étude pluricentrique concernant l’application des décrets du 31 mars 2021 et du 23 novembre 2021

Abstract

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 Medlé 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.