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GHANA: WOMEN WILL NOT TOLERATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE December 16, 2005
(SomaliNet) Violence is a serious canker in Ghana with 95 per cent of victims being women and children. This was revealed by Adowuku-Bekou, coordinator, Domestic Violence, Ghana at an open forum organized by the Ark Foundation, a nongovernmental organization in the country.
Speaking at the same function, Dr Ama Edwin, a Clinical Psychologist said that there would be no tolerance of domestic violence since it had adverse effects on women’s health and the country. She advocated for a law on domestic violence to protect the victims. “People will continue to abuse their victims, therefore, there should be a law to protect them.†She said.
The forum is a prelude to an international campaign by the United Nations against Gender-based violence. It was attended by 50 nurses and trainees and had presentations on “Domestic Violence and Its impact on Women’s health, Community and the Nation†and “ The Role of the Domestic Violence Bill in Combating Violence.â€
Dr Edwin called for a joint effort by all stakeholders in the fight against domestic violence in particular those in the health sector to practice privacy and confidentiality. They were also urged by Ms Dinah Kpodo, Programme Manager, Ark Foundation to avoid being judgmental, welcome survivors warmly and offer them support.