<\/p>\n
Islamabad\u2019s first anti-rape crisis cell (ARCC) was established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Monday to provide timely response and expedite justice for victims of sexual violence.<\/p>\n
The cell was set up by the ministries of health and law and justice with support from the UK government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Legal Aid Society.<\/p>\n
According to a press release issued by the law ministry, the inauguration of the ARCC came as a part of the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, which necessitated the establishment of anti-rape cells across districts to provide survivors with access to multiple services including the registration of first information reports (FIR), collection of evidence and a medical examination within six hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurvivors of sexual violence suffer tremendously from physical impacts
\nemotional trauma and even social stigmatisation. Therefore, confidential and quick medico-legal services must be available to help them receive justice and hope,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis ARCC will be helpful in addressing the critical issues of gender-based violence,\u201d the press release quoted Raja Naeem Akbar, secretary of the law ministry, as saying.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are working, through the Special Committee on Anti-Rape
\nLaw and National Commission on Rights of Child, with all provinces to ensure that similar Anti-Rape Crisis Cells are established and are fully functional across Pakistan to ensure timely and effective assistance to survivors of rape,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani noted that the need for a 24\/7 helpline or app was suggested as a means for survivors to access the services provided, particularly in light of the stigma attached to speaking up about rape.<\/p>\n
He also emphasised the need for self-defence training for girls in schools.<\/p>\n
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the chairperson for the Special Committee on Anti-Rape Law and National Commission on Rights of Child, stated that the government\u2019s goal was to allow every citizen, especially women, to claim public spaces and travel on public routes without any fear of sexual violence.<\/p>\n
Separately, UNFPA representative Dr Luay Shabaneh termed rape \u201can ugly crime\u201d and a crisis that warranted a \u201ccollective response\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope this Anti-Rape Crises Cell will be the first building brick based on the Sexual Violence Response Framework and will be expanded throughout the country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the inauguration, Pims Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikandar asserted that rape cases would be addressed through a holistic approach and with respect, care and confidentiality throughout the medical examination.<\/p>\n