Bechem (B/A), March 10, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister on Monday called for the strengthening of the intestate succession law to save women from the trauma and psychological abuse they suffer at the hands of in-laws on the death of their husbands.

He made the call at the celebration of International Women's Day at Bechem in Tano South District. It was under the theme: "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls".

Mr Marfo noted with regret that in-laws ignored the children and rather struggled with the spouses over properties of their deceases loved ones.

"In such situations women suffer psychological problems that sometimes ended them in psychiatric hospitals," Mr. Marfo said. He added that such treatment unfortunately is carried out by female in-laws, "and that is why women are said to be their own enemies". The Regional Minister appealed to in-laws to desist from such acts and collaborate with the spouse on to how to take care of the children and their education.

Mr. Marfo advised parents to bring their children to order and to ensure that they behaved properly at all times. "Indecent dressing is a major factor to physical abuses such as rape and defilement," he said, but however warned men not to take advantage of that to abuse the rights of women and children. He called on traditional rulers not to interfere in domestic violence cases but to allow the law to take its course in dealing with perpetrators to deter like-minded persons.

Madam Victoria Kyeremaa, Regional Director of the Department of Women, said statistics available showed that 803 children were defiled last year and that out of the number only five were males. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kwasi Amoako, Regional Director of Domestic Violence and support Unit (DVSU) stated that domestic violence could affect victim's health, education and performance at work places and appealed to all to help in the fight against domestic cases.