First anti-rape crisis centre established in 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.

It's commendable that you see the potential for polio health workers to play a crucial role in educating parents and raising awareness about important issues such as child sexual abuse (CSA) and violence. Leveraging existing networks and infrastructure for public health initiatives to address broader social issues is a strategic approach.

Here are a few suggestions on how polio health workers can contribute to these efforts:

1. Training and Education: Provide additional training to polio health workers to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to educate parents about CSA and violence prevention. This could include workshops on recognizing signs of abuse, effective communication strategies, and resources available for support.

2. Community Outreach: Utilize the door-to-door approach to not only administer vaccines but also engage with families on broader health and safety issues. This could involve distributing informational materials, organizing community meetings, and facilitating discussions on child protection.

3. Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies working on child protection and violence prevention. Building partnerships can enhance the impact of awareness campaigns and ensure a more comprehensive approach.

4. Crisis Intervention: Train polio health workers to identify and respond to immediate cases or concerns related to child abuse or violence. Establish protocols for reporting and connecting families with relevant support services.

5. Leverage Technology: Explore the use of technology, such as mobile apps or SMS campaigns, to disseminate information and resources more efficiently. This can complement the door-to-door efforts and reach a wider audience.

6. Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge and respect cultural nuances when addressing sensitive topics. Tailor educational materials and approaches to the specific cultural context of the communities being served.

7. Advocacy: Encourage polio health workers to be advocates for broader social issues. This could involve speaking out against violence, participating in community events, and working towards policy changes that support child protection.

Remember that addressing complex social issues requires a multifaceted approach and collaboration between various stakeholders. By integrating these initiatives into existing health outreach programs, there's potential to create a more comprehensive and impactful strategy.