The Eastern regional office of the Domestic Violence and Victims’ Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, recorded more cases of domestic violence in 2013 than in 2012.

The unit in 2013 recorded a total of 1,929 cases as compared to 1,502 cases recorded for the same period in 2012.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mrs Eunice Annor, the Regional Coordinator for DOVVSU, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Koforidua on Tuesday.

She said the highest number of cases reported at the unit were non-maintenance 744, assault 472, threat of death and causing harm 154, defilement 145 and offensive conduct 68.

The others included unlawful child removal 49, stealing 42, abduction 42, rape 41 and indecent assault, 10.

According to DSP Mrs Annor, as a result of intensive education on domestic violence, most people, especially women, had been enlightened to freely report cases at the unit for redress and for amicable settlement.

“This year, we intend to extend the education to special schools, orphanages and to the remotest areas in the region as we are opening more district offices,” she added.

DSP Mrs Annor lauded the media for their committed role in championing the welfare of the vulnerable in the society.

She, however, appealed for continuous collaboration with the media to step up the sensitisation activities this year to ensure that domestic violence was reduced to the barest minimum.