An Anti-Rape Crisis Center for victims of sexual violence has been established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad in an effort to guarantee a prompt and efficient redressal procedure.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Legal Aid Society, the UK Government, and the Ministries of Law and Justice and Health developed the center.
Victims of sexual assault, including rape, endure severe physical side effects, psychological distress, and social humiliation. To assist them, private, thorough, and prompt medico-legal services as well as psychosocial assistance must be provided.
This action is a component of the Anti-Rape (Trial and Investigation) Act, 2021’s implementation, which guarantees survivors of sexual offenses receive justice as well as any necessary assistance and support prior to, during, and following a trial. The law required that Anti-Rape Crisis Centers (ARCCs) be established within the DHQ hospital at the district level. These centers offer a range of services to survivors, such as FIR registration, evidence collection, and medical assessment.
Anti-Rape Crisis Center Established at PIMS
The Ministry of Law and Justice’s Secretary, Mr. Raja Naeem Akbar, spoke at the event and expressed gratitude to all of the partners for helping to build the center. “The center will help address the critical issues of gender-based violence,” the speaker said. In order to provide prompt and efficient help to rape survivors, he also underlined the creation of Anti-Rape Crisis Centers at the provincial level and the significance of having operational ARCCS throughout Pakistan.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary MoNHSRC, stated, “We also need to make sure that communities living on the outskirts of Islamabad can access this vital service.” Many survivors are reluctant to complain or walk to the center because of the stigma. We can use technology to our advantage and make services more accessible to individuals by developing technology-based solutions. He said that survivors should be able to contact these services and centers with the aid of an app or 24-hour helpline. Additionally, he stressed the importance of teaching girls self-defense in both public and educational settings.
The National Commission on Rights of Child and Special Committee on Anti-Rape Law Chairperson, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, stated in her speech that the anti-rape committee has framed complete regulations to usher in a new jurisprudence equipped to battle sexual crime.
The Crisis Cells’ goals are to deliver justice quickly and with a timely reaction. It offers round-the-clock victim-centered support. The ultimate goal is to free all citizens—women and children in particular—from the dread and vulnerability of sexual abuse so they can occupy public areas and travel on public transportation.
Speaking to the crowd, UNFPA representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh stated, “Rape is an ugly crime that causes lifelong pain and psychological trauma to those who face it.” Rape is, without a doubt, a catastrophe that requires a group reaction.
Prevention and increasing public awareness should be our first priorities, but we also need to make sure that individuals in need receive thorough assistance. He said that these kinds of organized, prompt, and group response services are essential. I’m hoping that this anti-rape crisis center will serve as the foundation for a thorough response to sexual violence and that it will be expanded across the nation. UNFPA is prepared to assist the government in ensuring that these initiatives are beneficial and meaningful for women.
Addressing the gathering, keynote guest Ms. Jane Marriot, UK’s High Commissioner, said “Anti-rape crisis cell in PIMS Islamabad is a significant milestone in addressing gender-based violence in Pakistan. With this new anti-rape crisis center, survivors of gender-based violence will have faster response services all under one roof. The UK is honored to collaborate with Pakistan in promoting such significant advancements in the fight against violence.”
According to Prof. Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar, Executive Director of PIMS, the hospital is dedicated to providing survivors of sexual abuse with all the assistance they require and to lessening their trauma through psycho-social support. He gave his word that all rape cases will be handled holistically and with dignity, discretion, and care during the medical evaluation.
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