Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Domestic Violence cases drop in Accra

It is only for Accra that cases seems to be dropping. Might the case be that people were unwilling to report violent cases in Accra? It is a wonder what the statistics will be at the end of 2008 and for other towns and cities in Ghana as a whole.



Domestic Violence cases drop in Accra

Daily Graphic, Wednesday, February 20, 2008. Page 29 (Metro News)

Justina Ampadu-Nyarko


The number of domestic violence cases reported at the Social Welfare Division of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) last year at the Ministries Police Station alone reduced to 3,273 in 2007 from 4,897 the previous year. The reduction was as a result of the awareness created in connection with the Domestic Violence Act consented in May 3, 2007, which was meant to provide protection from violence particularly for women and children.


The officer in charge of the unit, Mr. Dela Ashiagbor, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that the cases covered child abuse, paternal irresponsibility, child welfare, access and custody of children. He said last year saw a significant increase in the number of reported cases of assault of men against women to the unit, indicating a satisfactory response to the call for the public to report domestic violence cases.


According to Mr. Ashiagbor, over 500 of the cases were reported by men as compared to the previous year when 437 reported cases. “The men have now understood the importance of DOVVSU and will not hesitate to report their partners when the need arise,” he added. Mr. Ashiagbor pleaded with families and victims to expose violent issues but not to settle them among themselves in the quiet as that could sometimes cause emotional trauma to the victims.


At the time of visiting the unit, only few people mostly women, were at the unit to report cases or for counselling.

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