In all cases, in addition to the medical evidence and information, the following non-medical details should be viewed as useful and often crucial information regardless of the purpose of documentation:
- Identity of the victim. This should include full name, gender, age, occupation, and address. Date of birth is a useful identifier when the name is a common one; often the year is known although it might not correspond to the age given. Additional useful information would be a description of appearance, a photograph, and any relevant records that may exist on the individual, such as medical files from the time before the alleged abuse.
- Identity of the perpetrators. This might include the identification of a particular individual or individuals. However, to establish responsibility of the state for a violation, it might be enough to show the connection with the state. Relevant information would detail whether they were members of a specific security force such as police or military and, if possible, their names and rank. If unsure, then a description of uniforms, vehicles, weapons or any identifying characteristics will assist in the determination. Note, for legal and human rights reasons, great care should be taken in making allegations that particular individuals have been involved in torture. These are, after all, allegations of serious criminality.
- Description of how the individual came into the hands of the perpetrators. This should include whether the person was officially arrested, what reason was given for taking the person into custody, the time and date this took place, and whether there was use of violence or restraints.
- Description of the location where the abuse took place. This may have been a prison, a police detention facility, a military installation, or any other institution or location, even an outdoor space. Additional useful information would be a description of the conditions in which the individual was held, including size, content of the room, lighting, hygiene, presence of others, and access to lawyers, visitors, and medical care.
- Description of the form of abuse. Where did it occur? What happened? When? By whom? How often? How long did it last? And what effects did it have on the immediately and later? There should be a detailed description of exactly what occurred, and how frequently. Presence of anyone else in the room during the interview, whether detainees, security personnel or others, should be mentioned. Any instruments used should be noted. What were the immediate and long-term effects of the abuse? If the alleged victim received medical attention, or requested it and the request was denied, directly before, during, or after the abuse, this should all be detailed.
- Possible witnesses. Were there others present at the time of the abuse. Who were they? What was their role (for example, other detainees)? Did others see the individual immediately after the ill-treatment (for example, cellmates or prison medical staff)?