Centre opens for treatment of abuse survivors

PIMS Hospital establishes emergency service offering physical, psychological support

ISLAMABAD:

In a significant development, a specialised centre dedicated to the treatment and recovery of sexual abuse victims has been inaugurated within the emergency department of PIMS Hospital in the federal capital.

The centre primarily caters to children aged six to eight years old and young girls. It offers vital physical and psychological support services that are necessary for the rehabilitation of abuse victims.

Dr Amina Rashid Awan highlighted the centre’s commitment to specialised training which focuses on counselling and addressing the complex physical and mental health needs of survivors. “The facility ensures confidentiality and delivers comprehensive care, including thorough physical examinations and crucial psychological assistance to help survivors navigate through trauma,” she said speaking to The Express Tribune.

Additionally, efforts have been intensified to streamline the justice process for survivors, particularly by urging them to seek medical or police assistance within a critical window of 6 hours post-incident, without altering their clothes or urinating. This strategic approach aims to secure concrete evidence promptly, expediting the apprehension of perpetrators.

Dr Khadija Imran underscored the profound psychological toll of abuse, emphasising upon the prevalence of severe mental health challenges, including suicidal tendencies among survivors.

Experts emphasised the pivotal role of timely intervention, stressing the importance of evidence collection and self-examination within a 24-hour timeframe to facilitate the identification and prosecution of perpetrators. This underscores the vital role of healthcare institutions in extending unwavering support to survivors and pursuing justice against perpetrators of sexual abuse.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2024.