The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) has urged the public, especially women and youth, to report all cases of domestic violence directly to the police to save lives and ensure justice.

Mrs. Afua Kissiwah Gyan Twum Barima of the DOVVSU Airport Unit made the call during a policy dialogue on reproductive health education and gender-based violence held at the University of Ghana, Legon. The event was organized by AFRIYAN.

“Any time an individual, especially the youth, experiences domestic violence, the first point of call should be the police. Do not talk to any individual first — come straight to the appropriate authorities and report such cases. We will seek justice on your behalf,” she said.

Mrs. Twum Barima noted that many victims fail to report abuse because of stigmatization, particularly when perpetrators are high-profile individuals.

“Most of the time, people feel reluctant to report these cases because of what others will say. But he who feels it knows it better. Please, do well to report to the appropriate authorities and seek help,” she urged.

She disclosed that the most common cases reported to DOVVSU include rape, defilement, and indecent assault. According to her, families often pressure victims to settle such matters at home instead of involving the police.

“Sometimes families say, ‘This is not an issue. Let’s sit at home and resolve it.’ No. The person who feels it knows it better. Report these cases and let us seek justice,” she stressed.

Mrs. Twum Barima added that DOVVSU works with social workers, health professionals, the courts, and the justice system to follow up on cases and provide feedback to victims, even when financial constraints make it difficult for victims to pursue justice.

“With the help of social workers, health workers, the courts, and the police service, we are doing a lot. In the past, people abandoned cases because of financial constraints, but we now do well to follow up and give feedback,” she said.

Addressing the youth directly, she concluded: “My message to everyone out there, especially the youth, is that do not be silent. Speak out. Report domestic violence. You are your own voice. You are the only one who can tell what you are going through.”

Miss Chelsea Armah, a member of AFRIYAN, said the dialogue brought together stakeholders and policymakers from DOVVSU, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Education Service, and youth leaders to promote awareness of reproductive health education and gender-based violence.

“We know from the statistics that many young people experience violence but are unable to speak up. That is why we invited these stakeholders to guide us on the right steps to address these issues and help everyone affected,” she explained.

She noted that while the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit is doing its best, its work is limited when cases go unreported. “If they don’t get the information, they can’t act. Many young people are afraid or too shy to go to the police because of stigmatization,” she said.

Miss Armah added that the programme is aimed at encouraging the youth to know the right channels for reporting abuse. “What I want to tell young people is this: if you have experienced any form of abuse or your rights have been violated, you can go to the police. They are there for you and ready to help,” she said.

She also offered AFRIYAN as an alternative point of contact. “If you feel you are not ready to go to the police, you can come to us at AFRIYAN. We will direct you to the right channels.”

On reproductive health, she encouraged young people to seek accurate information. “If you need any information on reproductive health education, go to the hospitals and clinics. You can also come to AFRIYAN. We will give you all the information you need so you don’t make mistakes concerning your reproductive health,” she said.