Domestic violence in the Central Region, Ghana

Charles Adu-Gyamfi, University of Cape Coast
Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme, University of Cape Coast

Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DUVVSU) has been established within the Ghana Police Service since 1998 to educate the public and serve as an avenue for victims to report cases. Data from the Central regional office of DUVVSU indicate that 1134 cases of domestic violence were reported between 2007 and 2010. Nine hundred and fifty-eight of the cases were reported by females compared with one hundred and seventy-six cases by males. This paper examines trends, causes and implications of domestic violence. Using in-depth interview, the study selected sixty victims comprising thirty-five women and twenty-five men. It was found that both men and women suffer persistent domestic violence, but most of them fail to report to DOVVSU due to fear of divorce and stigmatization. The study recommends that DOVVSU should intensify its educational campaigns on the importance of reporting domestic violence and also establish DOVVSU units in all police stations.