WAJU organises Domestic Violence workshop in Bolgatanga

Bolgatanga, Oct. 23, GNA- The Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) of the Police Service in the Upper East Region recorded 26 defilement cases, 43 rape and numerous violent cases against women and children since its establishment a year ago.

This was disclosed at a day's workshop on domestic violence for selected police officers in the Upper East Region at Bolgatanga. It was organised by the WAJU in conjunction with the National Population Council and funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The Regional Police Commander Mr. J.K.Yali said the impact of domestic violence on the reproductive health of women and children cannot be left with only medical practitioners to handle since it has an overall effect on society.

He said when a woman dies during childbirth due to economic abuse she might leave behind children who are likely to end up in the streets as hardened criminals and other misfits.

Mr. Yali said HIV/AIDS could also affect an adolescent who is sexually abused leading to her premature death.

He, therefore, charged the police officers to equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge that will help them to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence.

Mr. Yali said the police and WAJU have taken the lead in the crusade, and urged other stakeholders to follow suit. Topics treated at the workshop included Domestic violence, and Women and Children's rights.

Participants were of the view that men who perpetrate domestic violence should report themselves to the police before they are found out.

They further suggested that hospital authorities should always confer with the police to minimize the trauma violence victims, especially women, undergo when they are referred for medical examination.