40 participants schooled on domestic violence at Brema Asikuma

A day sensitization workshop on domestic violence and gender issues for policy makers and community leaders in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District at Breman Asikuma has ended.

The workshop organised by the Central Regional Branch of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), attracted 40 participants mainly composed security personnel, clergypersons and Muslim leaders, market women, assembly members, and traditional authorities.

It was aimed at empowering participants be at the forefront of educating people on domestic violence and gender based violence issues as well as increased their understanding of other related issues on gender, human rights, sexual and reproductive health.

Mr Vincent Hinaku, a legal practitioner, Dr Luiz Gohungo-Amuoussou, District Director, Ghana Health Service, Mrs Juliana Brown, PPAG, Central Region and Assistant Superintendent of Police Mrs Felicia Ayensu, head of DOVVSU were the facilitators of the workshop.

They took the participants through topics such as the Domestic Act, challenges face with victims of domestic violence at the hospitals and clinics, reproductive health issues, the role of the police and the community to fight domestic violence.

ASP Mrs Ayensu said the workshop was also to facilitate community acceptance and to pave way for the establishment of new DOVVSU offices and desks in the region, adding it would also lead to progress in response efforts and improve access to justice closer to the people.

She said such advocacy platform was to breach gaps and helped to enhance institutional capacities for effective and broader support systems to all and sundry.

ASP Mrs Ayensu expressed worry about the upsurge of rape, defilement, spouse beating and neglect of maintenance of children, adding this had increased the number of street children and juvenile delinquency cases.

She urged participants to use the knowledge acquired to educate their community members on domestic violence and related issues.