THERE is an urgent need to improve and streamline the current standard operating procedure (SOP) in handling rape victims, including on hospital examinations and timing of police reports,  women’s groups said.

They said it was timely for Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri to call for a re-examination of the matter.

The groups said changes are needed in providing sensitivity training for first-aid responders as well as getting it right with the 27-year old one-stop crisis centre (OSCC).

All Women’s Action Society senior programme manager Lilian Kok said it was crucial to examine the current SOP regarding the implementation of the OSCC. 

“We believe the relevant stakeholders and the task force that oversees the operation of the OSCC must be aware and on the same page on their SOP. 

“Additionally, first-aid responders stationed at the OSCC must complete adequate sensitivity training to ensure they are better equipped to handle cases at their centre,” she told The Malaysian Insight. 

On Sunday, Nancy said procedures related to hospital examination for suspected rape victims needed to be improved. 

Taking into account the traumatic situation faced by rape victims, she hoped the Health Ministry (MOH) would consider granting permission for victims to be examined at a hospital without first lodging a police report.

“Our recommendation is since the report and rape kit must be made within 72 hours, the victim needs to do a medical examination first and then is allowed to decide whether to make a police report or not. We will let MOH decide (on this suggestion).”

Nancy said the procedures for handling cases of suspected rape victims currently state that a police report must first be made before the victim is allowed to undergo further examination.

Kok said according to police data, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, rape statistics have not shown a drastic decrease.

There were 1,452 cases in 2019, followed by 1,378 (2020), 1,390 (2021) and 1,398 (2022). 

She said these alarming statistics substantiate a longstanding fact about gender-based violence that most are aware of. 

“It can happen anywhere including the private sphere, and that it can be perpetrated by anyone including loved ones.” 

Kok said a survivor-centric approach must be utilised to ensure the best outcome for the survivor. 

“It’s time for us, civil society groups and the necessary government bodies to work together and review the process ensuring a sensitive integrated process for victims.”

She added that the OSCC was set up in 1996, under the MOH and its hospitals to provide prompt medical treatment and psychological support for the victims.

It is also aimed at collaborating and coordinating with other relevant agencies within the hospital and outside agencies such as the police. 

The 2015 OSCC Policy states clearly that police officers should be made available at the hospital to attend to the survivors who did not first go to the police station. 

Overcoming disruptive processes

Women’s Aid Organisation senior advocacy officer Zati Hanani said Nancy’s suggestion to allow survivors to lodge a report after examination would be very helpful for both survivors and authorities.

“This is because it cuts the time for the process of evidence collection. It is also helpful in cases where the survivors need more time to decide whether to lodge a report,” she said.

Zati said when it comes to handling rape survivors, it is crucial to ensure a proper OSCC process is in place. 

“A OSCC is meant to assist the victims of sexual and gender based violence through a multi-stakeholder response. 

“This includes forms of violence such as rape, child abuse, sodomy and domestic violence.”

She said being shuttled around to make a police report or even within departments in the hospital can be disruptive to this process.

“What is important to consider, especially to make our system more survivor-centric, is the mental wellbeing of the rape victim. 

“Having to endure going through many processes and making several reports in different locations can be stressful, especially after experiencing sexual violence and trauma. 

“It may even lead survivors to not report cases and suffer further stress from these inefficiencies.”

Zati said rape survivors would be in a traumatic and vulnerable state and may need mental health support and professional evaluation, including safety planning, before deciding to make a police report.

She urged Nancy’s ministry to work hand in hand with the MOH to ensure the OSCC system runs smoothly and takes into consideration the service is free of charge and accessible to all. 

Zati also echoed considerations made by their sister organisation – Sarawak Women for Women Society – on the importance of having options.

This, she said, must ensure the processes are explained clearly and empathetically by the OSCC team to victims and counseling services are available outside office hours.

“The staff should be empowered with proper gender-sensitivity and trauma training so that correct and empathetic information is given to victims on arrival.” –  July 21, 2023.