Kumasi: In a bold move to address the persistent and troubling issue of gender-based violence in Ghana, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has launched a 30-day intensive outreach campaign to raise awareness on the issue. The campaign on the theme: 'From Silence to Strength: Speak Up, Stand Up, Support', began on July 2 and is scheduled to run until July 30, 2025.
According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign is being rolled out across the Ashanti region with the aim of raising awareness, educating the public, and providing direct support to survivors of various forms of abuse-be it physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological. At the launch event in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, Chief Superintendent Victoria Yeboah, called on the public to actively support efforts to eradicate gender-based violence and help create a society where victims feel safe and empowered to speak out.
Chief Superintendent Yeboah assured the public of DOVVSU's commitment to confidentiality and protection of victims' identities, especially when minors were involved. Throughout the month-long campaign, DOVVSU officers will be visiting schools, churches, mosques, markets, and other public places to engage residents in open dialogues about the dangers of gender-based violence and the need to report abuse promptly.
The outreach also includes media engagements, distribution of educational materials, and access to counseling and legal support for victims. Chief Superintendent Yeboah emphasized that this campaign is a collective mission to build a safer, stronger community for everyone. She further urged families, traditional authorities, and community leaders to partner with DOVVSU in identifying abuse cases and referring them to the appropriate authorities for swift action.
According to DOVVSU, the campaign also seeks to demystify common misconceptions around domestic violence, such as the idea that abuse should be handled privately or within families. The unit is reinforcing the message that abuse in any form is a criminal act and must be reported and addressed professionally. The 30-day outreach is expected to significantly boost awareness and increase the number of reported cases, ultimately leading to more interventions, prosecutions, and policy reforms aimed at protecting the vulnerable.
As the campaign gains momentum, DOVVSU is calling on stakeholders-civil society organizations, faith-based groups, opinion leaders, and the media-to join hands in the fight against gender-based violence and promote a culture of zero tolerance. 'Together, we can break the silence, stand up for what is right, and support those in need. That is the only way we can truly build a just and peaceful society,' Chief Superintendent Yeboah emphasized.