Accra: Assistant Commissioner of Police Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, the Director of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), has urged the media to desist from trivialising issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to avoid emboldening perpetrators and reducing its seriousness. ASP Kyeremeh made the call during an engagement with the media in Accra on DOVVSU's activities and how the Unit can collaborate with the media to fight Gender-Based Violence.
According to Ghana News Agency, the DOVVSU was established in October 1998, initially named the Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) of the Ghana Police Service, to address the increasing number of reported cases of abuse and violence against women and children. In 2005, the name was changed to DOVVSU to dispel the notion that WAJU was solely a place for women and children, consequently encouraging men to seek redress there as well.
The Unit addresses all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, socio-economic, and harmful cultural practices. ASP Kyeremeh emphasized the media's pivotal role as a powerful tool for change and an essential partner in combating GBV, noting that media narratives significantly influence societal perceptions.
She highlighted concerns about certain media outlets, particularly those broadcasting in local languages, which sensationalise GBV-related issues, thereby undermining their seriousness and reducing victims to ridicule. The Director advocated for responsible and ethical reporting on GBV, aiming to empower victims to speak up and seek justice.
ASP Kyeremeh urged the media to uphold victims' dignity and privacy, particularly protecting the identities of children. She advised against sensationalism and victim-blaming, encouraging the use of appropriate language and images in reports. The Director also encouraged media collaboration in referring GBV cases reported by audiences to DOVVSU and underscored the importance of educating the public on available support systems and responsible case reporting.
She emphasized the necessity for media participation in training and sensitisation programmes, supporting awareness campaigns, and community outreach to eradicate GBV. The Director cautioned against publishing GBV cases without verifying facts with the Unit, especially those reported to them directly by the public.
ASP Kyeremeh announced the commemoration of 30 days of activism against GBV in July this year, which will become an annual event as part of efforts to end GBV. Planned activities include storytelling on the Ghanaian culture of respect for women, and sensitisation programmes in schools, churches, markets, and lorry stations.
She concluded by leading the media on a tour of the One-Stop Centre, showcasing facilities available for GBV victims and their children.
