DOVVSU records 1,164 cases of domestic violence in first quarter

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service, (DOVVSU) in Accra handled a total of 1,164 cases for the first quarter of this year, according to a quarterly report released. The report indicates that women continue to be in the majority of the victims of domestic violence, even though more men are now putting shyness aside and coming up with cases of their wives bashing them. Out of this number, assault cases ranked high with the figure standing at 579 as at the end of March. In February assault cases stood at 336 while March recorded 243.The second highest case recorded by the unit for the first quarter is threatening with the figure at 134. This is when a person’s actions, attitudes or ideas are considered dangerous or harmful. Cases of defilement involving grown ups who have sexual intercourse with minors or children below 18 years came third with 94 complaints lodged at DOVVSU. Offensive conduct recorded 74. The fifth highest recorded case was stealing with the figure at 48. Twenty-six cases of parents and guardians who fail to provide basic necessities of health and life were recorded.DOVVSU received 41 cases of rape for the period under review. Thirty-nine cases of abduction, which involves keeping a minor and having sex with her was recorded. Thirty-eight cases of children exposed to harm were reported to the unit. Just a case each of incest, attempted defilement, child stealing, bigamy, child labour, abandonment of child, murder and being on premises for unlawful purposes were received by the unit within the same period. Five cases each of attempted abortion and attempted rape complaints were lodged at DOVVSU. Four cases each of carnal knowledge of a female idiot and unlawful child removal were received at the unit. In an interview with Public Agenda, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinator of DOVVSU, Chief Superintendent Jessie Borquaye noted that the rate of complaints lodged at the unit for the first quarter saw a decrease of 104 cases compared to 1,268 for the previous quarter, (last quarter of year 2006).However she said cases of assault, defilement and rape always dominate and saw an increase while others reduced. This, she attributed to the extensive public education by the unit. ‘‘There is no doubt that people are beginning to know their rights. They no longer deem issues of domestic violence a private affair but ones that demand justice’’. She however, expressed concern about the situation where perpetrators of domestic violence always blame their actions on the devil. “That is no excuse. Perhaps such people should be counseled.” In her opinion, the renaming of the unit from WAJU to DOVVSU has helped a great deal to encourage men to lodge their complaints as well. Chief Superintendent Borquye urged the men to continue to make judicious use of the unit by reporting cases as soon as possible. She cited financial constraints as a challenge to the operations of the unit. “Most victims / complainants cannot afford to settle medical bills and this hinders investigation and prosecution by the unit.” Logistically, she said her outfit needs computers, photocopiers machines, printers and transportation to enable them work effectively. She advised victims of domestic abuse / violence to feel free to lodge their complaints saying that the unit has experienced personnel to address their concerns. She looks forward to DOVVSU working hard and intensifying its public education campaign to reduce domestic violence in the Ghanaian society. She also called on well meaning Ghanaians to get involved in the fight for better human rights.