A forum on gender based violence and domestic violence was held last October at the Breman Esikuma Assembly Hall complex with a call on participants to find a way to sentisise opinion and community leaders to have a better understanding of the Domestic Violence Act.

 

The advocacy forum was jointly organised by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), the United Nations Fund for Population Activity (UNFPA) and the European Union (EU).

 

In attendance were chiefs, opinion leaders, mothers and members of the media and some heads of Departments.

 

Resource persons were drawn from the Attorney General's Department, the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Police.

 

Mr Vincent Nyinaku of the Attorney General's Department at Cape Coast who explained what domestic relationship was all about and also what domestic violence comprises of.

 

Mr Nyinaku stated that, our society is faced with challenges of domestic violence such as wife battery, causing harm, causing damage, unlawful rejection and threat or harm.

 

He said, sexual offences which include rape, defilement, indecent assault and incest are on the increas ,and therefore called on all  to dialogue with one another to find a way to sensitise opinion and community leaders to have a better understanding of the Domestic Violence Act.

 

Mr Nyinaku added that such understanding will enhance the knowledge of participants on Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence to facilitate the patronage of DOVVSU offices or desks in the selected districts.

 

He then appealed to participants to use the advocacy to effectively announce DOVVSU's ten year milestone and its achievements in promoting Gender Rights and access to justice and support system for victims.

 

According to Mr Nyinaku, humiliation, psychological and emotional abuse of others in the domestic setting also constitute domestic violence.adding that, people coming under such duress often become withdrawn and miserable.

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