The establishment of the first anti-rape crisis cell in Islamabad is an important milestone in the country’s legal struggle against sexual and gender-based violence. Established in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Law and Justice, UK Government, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Legal Aid Society, this cell is the first of its kind in districts across the country. needs replication. It takes the country one step closer to better human rights standards.
The ARCC is a partial implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Prosecution) Act, 2021. To ensure justice for the survivors and protect them from unwanted procedures that make them feel more vulnerable, the crisis cell is an important addition that will provide early bail. Medico-legal support for survivors of rape and sexual violence. During the last three years, 63000 cases of gender-based violence have been recorded in the country. Now add to this the incidents that go unreported and one can only imagine how much intervention is needed to make the vulnerable feel safe.
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Last year alone, 522 women and young girls were sexually assaulted in Karachi alone. This points to the need for urgent planning to establish similar crisis cells in other cities of the country. Mechanisms should be comprehensive and strong enough to control these heinous crimes that steal the dignity of women, girls and children. ARCC’s initiative emphasizes the need for timely services including registration of FIR, collection of evidence, and medical examination within six hours.
A frightening environment for victims and survivors has been a concern for all those who have actively advanced the cause of safe public spaces for women and girls. A special cell within the Islamabad Police led by women police officers has been a part of these efforts. There is also now a need for an instant access app or phone service where victims or anyone in direct contact with the victim can report a rape or sexual assault crime. Step by step such steps are urgently needed and will pave the way for justice for the victims of sexual violence.
