Crimes against Women in Matrilineal Meghalaya A Forensic Medical Perspective

The northeastern state of Meghalaya, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, was once a haven of peace and tranquility. It is home to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes who follow the matrilineal system, where women have a special position and role in society. However, through the years, progressive degeneration of moral values has resulted in an escalation of illegal activities, crimes against women and gender-based violence. In the present context, the average doctor faces various medico-legal challenges in routine practice. The changing trends in society emphasize the need for forensically trained doctors, who have the expertise to handle cases of medico legal nature. It is imperative to re-orient practitioners on forensic procedures while dealing with victims of sexual assault to ensure that justice is served in such situations. Doctors must also be familiar with laws related to medical practice in order to avoid pitfalls while performing their duties in good faith.