The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service was established for both men and women and does not discriminate in the handling cases.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bismark Agyapong, Acting Greater Accra Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, explained that the Domestic Violence Act provided for equal treatment therefore any victim of domestic violence should not hesitate to report to the Unit for redress.
He made the observation at an outreach programme at the Nima Presbyterian Church in Accra.
DSP Agyapong said although statistics available indicated that more women were victims of abuse, there was no doubt that most men equally suffered abuse by their spouses.
“There is the need for men to report cases of abuse suffered to the Unit. Few of them come to report at the Unit whilst others due to some reasons and factors shy away from reporting and take up to alcoholism and drug abuse“, he added.
DSP Agyapong urged Christians to endeavour to practice the biblical teaching of love and humility, adding “If our relationship is based on the biblical teaching of love and humility, domestic violence would reduce to the barest minimum.”
He challenged all religious bodies to promote healthy relationship among themselves for love and peaceful co-existence.
DSP Alice Awarekaro of DOVVSU National Secretariat urged women to support their spouses especially for child maintenance, saying the Act did not provide for only men to maintain their children but all inclusive.
She said though the role of women in the informal sector could not be quantified, they support their husbands therefore their contributions should be recognised.
DSP Awarekaro in a response to a question, reminded the congregation that “no one could give consent to be abused” therefore, a third party should assist by reporting cases of abuse to the Police.
She entreated victims and witnesses to endeavour to report cases of abuse to the Police without delay.
“This will facilitate and ensure smooth and easy investigations leading to successful prosecution when evidence is preserved“, she added.