Islamabad’s PIMS Establishes Anti-Rape Crisis Center

News Desk
Islamabad: In pursuit of a prompt and efficient resolution mechanism, an Anti-Rape Crisis Centre has been established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
This center aims to offer assistance to survivors of sexual violence, contributing to their well-being and healing process.
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 establishment 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.According to the press release issued by UNFPA, the law necessitated the establishment of Anti-Rape Crisis Centers (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.
Raja Naeem Akbar, Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, stated that “the centre will be helpful in addressing the critical issues of gender-based violence”.
Naeem Akbar emphasized on the establishment of Anti-Rape Crisis Centre sat provincial level and importance of availability of functional ARCCS throughout Pakistan to ensure timely and effective assistance to survivors of rape’.
Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary MoNHSRC said ‘We must also 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 that can help survivors access these services and centres.’ Shallwani also emphasized on the need on the self-defense training for the girls in schools, and in public.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson for the Special Committee on Anti-Rape Law and National Commission on Rights of Child, said ‘the anti-rape committee has framed comprehensive rules to usher in a new jurisprudence ready to combat sexual violence.
Dr Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Representative said, “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”.
Dr Luay stated that such collective, coordinated and timely response services are absolutely necessary. I hope this Anti-Rape Crisis Centre will be the first building brick to a comprehensive Sexual Violence Response and will be expanded throughout the country.The UNFPA stands ready to support the government in making these interventions meaningful and helpful for women, Luay added.
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. This new anti-rape crisis facility will ensure that gender-based violence survivors are provided with quicker response services under one roof. The UK is proud to partner with Pakistan in advancing such important innovations for tackling violence.”
Dr Rana Imran Sikandar, Executive Director, PIMS said that the hospital is committed to every support possible to the survivors of sexual violence and to reduce their trauma through psycho social support. He assured that the rape cases will be dealt through a holistic approach and with respect, care and confidentiality throughout the medical examination.