Do not resolve cases of sexual and gender-based violence at home – Gender Officer

By Prince Acquah

Cape Coast, September 1, GNA – The Gender Division of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has warned the public against settling cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) at home.

Ms Thywill Kpe, the Volta Region Gender Commissioner, said such cases were punishable by law and must be reported to the police immediately so that perpetrators could be prosecuted.

Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Cape Coast, she stressed the need to report crimes promptly to protect victims' lives and evidence.

“Violence maims, destroys and kills. If something like this happens, report it to the police immediately and do not falsify evidence,” she stressed.

“We all have a stake in preventing SGBV and ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted. Let us all do our part for the good of Ghana,” she added.

Ms Kpe advised victims of sexual or physical abuse to seek immediate medical attention with the support of their family and friends to prevent related consequences such as sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.

“We usually tend to blame and isolate victims of rape and rape and call them bad children. This is completely wrong. No one has the right to abuse anyone under any circumstances.

“Seek psychological help for them in such terrible moments; they need counselling and not blame and insults,” she added.

To reduce the incidence of SGBV, the Gender Commissioner advocated the abolition or modification of harmful religious and cultural practices against women and girls.

“We need to legislate in our communities to address such cases and step up efforts to put an end to them. And at the same time, we need to empower our women and girls to be more confident,” she said.

GNA