Accra, Aug. 28, GNA - A twelve-member Domestic Violence Management Board was inaugurated on Friday with a call on them to bring their expertise and experience to address the menace. Ms Sena Akua Dansua, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs and Chairman of the Board, said domestic violence had become a very big challenge in the country.

She said the frequency at which reports of domestic violence kept coming was very alarming and stressed the need for the members to come out with innovative ideas to curtail the menace. Ms Dansua said issues to be addressed to curb the domestic violence included the establishment of shelters for victims of domestic violence; rescue and rehabilitation of victims; effective prosecution of perpetrators; increased sensitization of the effects of domestic violence and finalisation of the Legislative Instrument (LI) on domestic violence. The Board was also tasked to make recommendations for a National Plan of Action against domestic violence, monitor and report progress of the National Plan of Action through the Minister, and advise the Minister on policy matters under the Act. Furthermore, the Board would prepare and promote strategies to prevent and combat domestic violence; collaborate with government agencies and organisations to promote the rehabilitation and re-integrated of victims of domestic violence; prepare guidelines for disbursement from the Victims of Domestic Violence Support Fund yet to be established.

It would also manage the fund and conduct research on international and regional development on domestic violence, as well as research into standards for dealing with matters of domestic violence. Ms Dansua hoped the Board would strategize to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Act. "With the calibre of people here, I have no doubt that you will be up to the task," she said. Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, a member of the Board, on behalf of her colleagues thanked government for the confidence reposed in them, and pledged their commitment to work hard to respond to the task.