Speaking at one of its sensitisation programmes at Assin-Darmang in the Assin South District, the Regional Coordinator of DOVVSU, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Appiah Sekyi said the programmes were aimed at empowering the citizenry on their rights under the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732).

He said through the collaborative efforts of DOVVSU, the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) with support from the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), have held similar educative programmes  in Cape Coast, Ajumaku-Eyan-Asiam, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA), Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) and Mfantsiman Districts respectively.

Speaking on the theme: “Abiding by the domestic violence Act (Act 732/2007): a healthy way to end Domestic Violence in Ghana”, ASP Appiah - Sakyi advised Ghanaians, especially women to be abreast with the law so that they could fight for their rights.

DSP Appiah Sakyi assured the public of absolute professionalism and impartiality from the Police to handle domestic violence issues. He mentioned cases of domestic violence to include physical, psychological and verbal abuses assaults, forced marriages, threats, rape, incest, sexual harassment and sodomy among others.

DSP Appiah Sakyi underlined the need for religious and civil society organizations to join the efforts at reducing the incidence of domestic violence against women and children. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Okyere Andam, Assin South District Police Commander, said awareness creation through education on human rights by DOVVSU had emboldened victims who suffered various abuses to report.

He said DOVVSU would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute where necessary any offence of domestic violence that was reported to them. ASP Okyere Andam commended the media for helping to publicise court verdicts on domestic violence cases which according to him had helped deter others from committing such crimes.

Nana Abrekena Dako II, Adontihemaa of Assin Atendansu Traditional Area, advised parents to befriend their children to enable them share their issues of abuses with them. She encouraged them to invest in the education of their children, especially the girl-child to acquire knowledge and skills needed for development.

Nana Abrekena Dako praised DOVVSU for extending their programme to the area, and said “the creation of DOVVSU has brought help and relief to many victims of abuse, especially women and children who would have otherwise continue to suffer at the hands of perpetrators”.