Islamabad police station for women gains praise
Victims of harassment, domestic violence can now find relief in unique centre
Islamabad: Islamabad police’s new Violence Against Women Centre in the city’s Sector G-7 has turned into a model institute providing quick legal, medical, mental and psychological relief for women victims of domestic and physical violence, rape, acid attacks and other social and gender-related crimes.
The establishment of a police station for women is seen as a step in the right direction by the federal police chiefs.
A help line (8090) dedicated only to women’s grievances has been set up in the police station where all complaints are addressed through a quick mobile response unit, SP Sumaira, Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters and In Charge of the centre, told Gulf News.
In order to swiftly respond and to provide instant assistance to victims, a doctor and two psychiatrists provide round-the-clock care, she said, adding that a one-referral pathway has also been designed in order to ensure hassle-free help.
An ambulance is also available to move victims in case of emergency to a nearby hospital, she added.
Sumaira said that apart from complaints of violence, other issues such as workplace harassment are also registered as per law.
Representatives from women’s organisations, diplomats and human rights activists have been visiting the station in order to find out about the ‘soft image’ of the tough police.
A female delegation of the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) under a Gender Responsive Policing Project (GRPP) also visited the centre and got a tour of its various departments. A library, day care centre and a home-like environment all encourage victims to feel safe and protected so she can explain her problems better.
Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson also visited the centre and termed it a positive initiative of the Islamabad police.
Deputy Director Gender Crime Cell Nighat Haider appreciated the efforts of the GRPP team and assured cooperation for community meetings.
Later, talking to media persons, an female MCI member said it was a positive initiative taken by the Islamabad police as the usual rigid environment intimidates a complainant and does not help her give a candid statement against the harasser.