In a strong appeal to the public, the Gender Department of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has emphasized the importance of not settling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases at home. Mrs. Thywill Kpe, the Volta Regional Gender Officer, made this statement during a stakeholder engagement in Cape Coast, stressing that such cases are criminal offenses that should be reported to the police without delay.
Mrs. Kpe highlighted the dangers of handling these serious issues privately, noting that it not only jeopardizes the well-being of the victims but also compromises critical evidence needed for prosecution. “Violence maims, destroys, and kills,” she stated, urging the public to protect the lives of victims by ensuring that offenders are held accountable through the judicial system.
She further advised that victims of sexual or physical abuse should seek immediate medical assistance to prevent complications such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, she called on communities to provide psychological support for victims instead of blaming or isolating them, a practice that only exacerbates their trauma.
To reduce the prevalence of SGBV, Mrs. Kpe advocated for the elimination or reform of harmful cultural and religious practices that discriminate against women and girls. She urged communities to develop by-laws to address these issues and to empower women and girls to assert their rights. “We all have a stake in preventing SGBV and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted,” she added.
This call to action underscores the need for a collective effort to combat SGBV in Ghana, where cultural norms often lead to the suppression of such cases. Mrs. Kpe’s message is clear: sexual and gender-based violence is a serious crime, and justice for victims should not be compromised by informal settlements.
This article serves as a critical reminder that the fight against SGBV requires the involvement of everyone, from individuals to communities and government institutions, to create a safer environment for all.