KUCHING: Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is taking effort to improve services for rape survivors approaching the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) based at all major general hospitals in Sarawak.
Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) today said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is leading the ministry, had called for a meeting to discuss the matter recently; and the minister has also agreed with the need to revise the current procedure in accordance with the OSCC Policy 2015.
Currently, a police report must be made before the police release an order requesting the doctor to examine and collect evidence with the consent of the person for the purposes of assisting an investigation.
In order to improve the services, it has been suggested that survivors be allowed to have the option of having a medical examination before deciding, within 72 hours, whether or not to lodge a police report.
Nancy would be bringing the issue up and discuss with Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa after attending the meeting with staff from Sarawak General Hospital, including the Emergency & Trauma Department (ETD), OSCC team and medical staff; police from Section D11 (Sexual Investigation, Women and Children, PDRM); social workers from Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak and SWWS.
SWWS said the meeting was also aimed to create better understanding about OSCC policy and to find ways of improving the multi-agency collaboration so a survivor-centred approach is central to the running of the service.
“Another outcome of the meeting was to appeal to the press and media to bring to the public’s attention the operation of OSCC by printing the attached flowchart.
“All parties have agreed that by enhancing multi-agency collaboration; adhering to the principles outlined and by giving clear information to the public on the services available, survivors of abuse will be better served.”
For those living in Sarawak currently experiencing abuse they can go to the OSCC at Sarawak General Hospital, Hospital Miri, Hospital Sibu, Hospital Serian, Hospital Bintulu, Hospital Sri Aman and Hospital Sarikei.
However, those who are abused and in a crisis can approach ETD at any government hospitals. Women who experience violence are encouraged to contact SWWS’s Winne Line 016-5822660 (Mon 7 pm-9 pm, Tues-Thurs 9.30 am-11.30 am, Sat 2 pm-4 pm).
The OSCC is a 24-hour daily service that caters to all people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect. OSCC functions to provide a safe place, treatment and multi-level crisis intervention to survivors, and to ensure the delivery of optimal care and evidence management for the survivors.
