First anti-rape crisis centre established in PIMS

Islamabad:As a step towards ensuring an expeditious and effective redressal mechanism for rape survivors, an Anti-Rape Crisis Centre was inaugurated at Pakistan Institute of medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for survivors of sexual violence on Monday.

The centre is established by the Ministry of Law and Justice and Ministry of Health with the support from the UK Government, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and Legal Aid Society. This step is part of the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Trial and Investigation) Act, 2021 which ensured justice for survivors of sexual offences and the provision of services and support they may need before, during and after a trial. The law necessitated the establishment of Anti-Rape Crisis Centres (ARCCs) at district level within DHQ hospital to provide survivors with access to multiple services including FIR registration, collection of evidence and a medical examination. On this occasion, the speakers said that survivors of sexual violence including rape suffer tremendously from physical impacts, emotional trauma and social stigmatisation. Therefore, confidential, comprehensive and timely medico-legal service and psychosocial support must be available to help them.

Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice Raja Naeem Akbar, appreciated the support of all partners in establishing the centre. He stated that ‘the centre will be helpful in addressing the critical issues of gender-based violence". He further emphasised on the establishment of Anti-Rape Crisis Centres (ARCCS) at provincial level and importance of availability of functional ARCCS throughout Pakistan to ensure timely and effective assistance to survivors of rape’.

Secretary MoNHSRC Iftikhar Ali Shallwani stressed the need to ensure the access of this crucial service to communities living in the outskirts of Islamabad. “Due to stigma, many survivors hesitate to report or to walk to the centre. As a solution, we can tap on technology and enable people’s access to services through technology-based solutions. He stated that there should be a round-the-clock helpline or an app that can help survivors access these services and centres.” He also emphasized on the need on the self-defence training for the girls in schools, and in public.

In her remarks, Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson for the Special Committee on Anti-Rape Law and National Commission on Rights of Child, said that the anti-rape committee has framed comprehensive rules to usher in a new jurisprudence ready to combat sexual violence.

“The purpose of the Cells is to provide timely response and expedite justice. It provides victim-centric support round the clock. Looking ahead, the goal is to allow every citizen, especially women and children to claim public spaces and travel on public routes without any fear and vulnerability of sexual violence.”

UNFPA Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh said that rape is an ugly crime which causes lifelong pain and psychological trauma to those who face it. “By all means, rape is a crisis which needs a collective response. We should start from prevention and awareness raising but we should also ensure a comprehensive response s to help those in need.” Chief guest UK’s High Commissioner Jane Marriot said that anti-rape crisis cell in PIMS Islamabad is a significant milestone in addressing gender-based violence in Pakistan. “This new anti-rape crisis facility will ensure that gender-based violence survivors are provided with quicker response services under one roof.”