Regional News of Saturday, 4 October 2014

Source: GNA

DOVVSU establishes office at Kenyasi

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, was not established solely to fight the cause of women and children.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Joseph Kwame Apoya, Brong-Ahafo Regional Co-ordinator of the Unit who made the remark at the inauguration of its office on Monday at Kenyasi in the Asutifi District of Brong-Ahafo Region, explained that the Unit existed to attain justice for any individual, especially the vulnerable, who were domestically abused in society.

He, therefore, entreated men whose wives abused them physically and psychologically to also access the services of the Unit to ensure justice.

DSP Apoya gave the assurance that the Unit would support the Community-based Anti-violence Teams (COMBAT), jointly established and trained by the Action Aid Ghana and the Centre for Maternal and Community Development (CMCD), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), in the District to fight against domestic violence.

DSP Apoya said the creation of an office would give professional touch in the handling of the increasing number of domestic abuse cases in the area, especially sexual exploitation and defilement as a result of the mining activities in the District.

He mentioned lack of communication, transportation and inconveniences as some of the hindrances that made victims reluctant in pursuing cases which sometimes affected their rights.

DSP Apoya said the office would not handle only reported cases in the area, but would also assist in the fight against domestic violence in every corner of the country.

Mr Eric Addae, District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the Regional Police Command and the NGOs involved, for such a great vision to minimize domestic violence in the area, and pledged the assistance of the District Assembly for the office to function effectively.