Karachi has taken a significant step forward in addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors by launching the Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC). The facility, established at the Police Surgeon Office, Civil Hospital, will provide round-the-clock services, including medical and psychological support, legal aid, and counseling for survivors of sexual violence. It will also offer medico-legal support to all genders, including males, females, and transgender persons.
The project, part of the Tahaffuz initiative, is a joint effort by the Sindh health department, UN Women, and funding from the US government’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. The ARCC is the first of 27 planned facilities to be established across Sindh.
The launch ceremony featured remarks from government officials, including Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and UN Women representative Younas Khalid. They emphasized the importance of collective action in combating sexual violence and providing comprehensive support to survivors.
In recent years, Pakistan has grappled with a rise in cases of sexual violence, with thousands of harassment and child sexual abuse cases being reported. The establishment of the ARCC marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect the rights and well-being of survivors and create a safer society for all.
