Pakistan has decided to abandon the practice of invasive testing for virginity of rape victims. This verdict was passed by the supreme court in the city of Lahore, reports The Guardian .
Judge Ayesha Malik emphasized that this two-finger insertion procedure is highly invasive, but not scientifically or medically necessary. “This is a demeaning practice that is used to raise suspicion on the victim, rather than focus on the accused and the sexual assault incident,” she said.
The court’s decision will be valid only in the Punjab province. However, it met with broad support from the Minister of Human Rights Shirin Mazari, who called the judge’s verdict bold and momentous.
According to the United Nations, the practice of testing for virginity is preserved in at least 20 countries around the world. UN stress that such procedures are a violation of human rights. In addition, in cases of rape, they can cause additional pain and simulate an act of sexual violence, leading to repeated traumatization of the victim.