Accra, Dec. 24, GNA - The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday thanked the media for assisting it in reporting cases of abuse and also in helping in its sensitization drive. It said the Unit handled all cases of domestic violence and child abuse, embarked on public education on the need to stop all manner of violence against the vulnerable in society, but this could not be carried out without the support of the media.

"The media have been supportive in our drive to ensure that domestic violence has been reduced to the minimal," the statement signed by ASP Freeman Tettey, Public Relations Officer of DOVVSU, said. It noted that through the media, the public was now aware of domestic violence cases, effects and what constituted domestic offence. "Cases of abuse which hitherto went unreported now receive prominence in the media. The DOVVSU-Media collaboration has in a long way increased reportage of domestic violence cases to the police and invariably deter would be perpetrators."

The statement said it was the wish of the Unit that this collaboration would be strengthened in 2010 so that the anti-domestic violence messages could go down to the public.

DOVVSU also urged the media to stick to the principle of ensuring that the best interest of the child and that of the victim of abuse is well protected.

"Let's all unite in the interest of mother Ghana to ensure that whilst perpetrators are brought to justice, victims are also treated in a dignified manner," the statement said.