KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday set up ‘anti-rape crisis cells’ across the province to deal with host of issues connected with sexual violence cases, their investigation and rehabilitation of rape survivors.

“The chief secretary is pleased to constitute and notify Anti-Rape Crisis Cells (ARCC) under Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 in all districts of Sindh to ensure prompt redressal of rape and sexual abuse crimes in respect of women and children through special investigation teams and special courts,” read a provincial government notification issued here.

Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed, who has been appointed focal person of ARCCs in Sindh, told Dawn that these cells were modelled on one-stop-protection centres and shall provide host of services to sexual violence victims, including male, female and transgender persons.

She added these crisis cells would deal with medico-legal documentation along with evidence collection, preservation, psychological support, referral pathways for any medical need, police support/FIR, legal support and referral pathways for social rehabilitation of rape survivors.

The notification stated that Dr Syed would be the focal person on ARCCs, while heads of respective hospitals, female medico-legal officers, deputy commissioners, medical superintendents of district hospitals and SSPs of districts would be its members.

Regarding terms of references, it said that these cells would ensure medico-legal examinations without any delay, secure, collect and gather evidence, conduct a forensic analysis of examination, and help register an FIR by police and any other issues, if required with the approval of competent authority.

The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021 was passed by the National Assembly and Senate. It seeks to establish special courts and use modern devices during the investigation and trial of rape cases.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2022