Kumasi, March 16, GNA - The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana police recorded 721 cases of defilement in 2008 out of which 98 per cent were girls and two per cent boys. It also recorded 227 cases of rape of which nine were marriage-related. Ms Georgina Opoku-Amankwaa, National Chairperson of the Public Services Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) announced this at the International Women's Day Celebration in Kumasi at the weekend. The function attracted 60 participants selected from various unions and was under the theme: "Women and Men United to end Violence against Women".

She noted that violence against women including harassment, assault, rape, and defilement have been on the increase and the situation had affected the status and well-being of women.

Ms Opoku-Amankwaa, who is also the Kumasi Metropolitan Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) stated that since the promulgation of the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, a lot of interventions and measures had been put in place to reduce incidents of cases.

She said DOVVSU now had branches in the regions and districts so she appealed to the public to report such cases for redress. Ms Opoku-Amankwaa said violence against women is an abomination in the society and called on men also to join hands with women to sensitize the public about the negative effects of such practices. She also appealed to parents and guardians to halt all forms of child labour and give their children quality education to enable them play meaningful roles in society.

Ms Teresa Nadia Abugah, Head of Women's Desk of the TUC, said the day was being commemorated to highlights the efforts women were making in fighting their rights.

She said solution to women's socio-economic problems relied on their total commitment and involvement to issues that affect them. Ms Naomi Dedei Otoo, 2nd Vice-Chairperson of the Union appealed to women to use the day to take stock of their activities and programmes and adopt effective and pragmatic measures to enhance and promote their welfare.