Sunyani: The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andrews Kumah, the Deputy Bono Regional Police Commander, has called on police personnel experiencing domestic violence and abuses within their families to formally report these incidents to the service. This appeal was made during the launch of the '30 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence' campaign in Sunyani.
According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign is being implemented by the Bono Regional Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) to tackle domestic violence and human rights abuses in the region. ACP Kumah emphasized that police officers cannot effectively advocate against gender-based violence if they themselves are victims at home. He acknowledged that while many women suffer from such violence, men are also affected.
ACP Kumah highlighted the severe physical and emotional pain endured by victims and praised the campaign as a commendable initiative. He urged the DOVVSU to intensify its efforts to control the situation in the region.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Beatrice Korsah, Bono Regional Coordinator of the DOVVSU, announced that the campaign would be extended to public places like lorry stations, markets, and communities. She urged victims to trust the DOVVSU with their reports, assuring them of security and confidentiality. ASP Korsah also promised that perpetrators would face prosecution and encouraged the public to support the campaign by providing reliable information.
Mr. Peter Biya Bah, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, noted the prevalence of gender-based violence in the region and urged the government to adequately resource the DOVVSU. He expressed concern over the lack of vehicles, which hampers the Unit's work, and appealed for government support in providing a pick-up vehicle to enhance their operations.
