“Always remember that, it is never your fault. You must report the crime.”
Reporting a crime
If you’ve been a victim of crime, you’ll need to decide whether or not to tell the police. We must reiterate that, encourage your peers to come forward and report cases pertaining to violence against women. It’s okay to feel unsure about this or worry about what will happen if you do. You might think that the police won’t care. Maybe you’ve had a bad experience with the police in the past. Or perhaps you’re worried that if you talk to the police, it will only make things worse. However, you can be that first person to break the cycle of violence in order to bring change and to call out the perpetrators. If you report the crime, there’s more chance that the offender will be caught or brought to justice for what they’ve done. The police also keeps records of all reported crime and this information goes into government statistics and reports. The relevant information can change the way crime is dealt with by the police and other parts of the criminal justice system.
How to Report Gender-based Violence or Violence against Women in Pakistan?
If it is an emergency pertaining to any case of violence against women you must adopt the following mechanisms:
If it is a case of Honor-based Violence (Honor Killing) immediately call the police (Helpline: 15) or Ministry of Human Rights (Helpline: 1099) to report the crime.
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Domestic Violence, depending upon the severity of the crime or the condition of the victim, you should immediately take the to the emergency section of the nearest hospital and call the police (Helpline: 15) or Ministry of Human Rights (Helpline: 1099).
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Acid Attacks the victim must be rushed to the burn center of the nearest hospital immediately. Simultaneously call the police (Helpline: 15) or Ministry of Human Rights (Helpline: 1099) to report the crime.
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Sexual Violence (particularly Rape), the victim must be rushed to the nearest hospital for medical exam, simultaneously the crime needs to be reported to the police (Helpline: 15). The medical report is extremely important to register the Fist Information Report.
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Street Harassment you should immediately call the police (15) and simultaneously take pictures or any other evidence that can help in strengthening your application and facilitate the police in tracking down the perpetrators.
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Workplace Harassment you should collect evident, be vigilant and on your guard. You should report the crime to the respective committee in your organization. If unsatisfied with the outcome, file a complaint with the provincial ombudsmen or in the court.
Read more about laws and punishments here.
If it is a case of Cyber Harassment, you should collect evident, be vigilant and on your guard. You should block the relevant accounts. If persistent, you should register a formal complaint with the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency).
Read more about laws and punishments here.
Kindly note, in case of an emergency Rescue Service Helpline (1122) and Edhi Ambulance Service (115) can also be reached across Pakistan. Furthermore, even it isn’t a medical emergency or an extreme case of violence against women that doesn’t mean that the crime didn’t take place. You must file a complaint or a report in order to safeguard yourself from such uncalled-for situations in the future.