The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Mrs. Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, has issued a strong appeal to the public to end gender-based violence and report cases when they witness them.
Speaking during a tour of DOVVSU’s newly commissioned facility at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the ACP stressed the importance of collective responsibility in combating abuse.
“Gender-based violence does not only affect individuals—it affects communities, it affects national development,” she said. “So please, those of you engaged in gender-based violence, please stop now.”
She emphasized that the silence of bystanders also contributes to the problem.
“And those of us who see and keep quiet, please speak up,” she added. “Because sometimes the survivor has no voice. You become their voice once you speak up. When you stand by and watch abuse go on, you’re indirectly promoting abuse. So please reach out to DOVVSU. We are here to help you, for we have help.”
According to ACP Kyeremeh, ignoring or failing to report acts of gender-based violence amounts to enabling the cycle of abuse.
“When, as a witness, you can attest to gender-based violence and yet do nothing to report it to the appropriate quarters, you are indirectly promoting the menace,” she said.
She also announced that the entire month of July has been designated to raise awareness on domestic violence, with a variety of public engagement activities lined up.
“This year and in this July, loads of activities will be held to draw attention to the fact that there is hope for people who are being abused—at home, in the workplace, and in other places,” she said.
Highlighting key events, ACP Kyeremeh revealed plans for a symbolic vigil walk to show solidarity with victims.
“One of the activities for us, which is equally very important, is we will do a vigil kind of walk. The essence of it is to tell the general public—especially the survivor—that we see them, we hear them, and understand where you’re coming from,” she said.
“We can imagine your pain. Because if you look at the survivor, a victim is like someone in a dark place where he or she has no voice. That’s why we want to do it in the evening—maybe around 9 or 10 o’clock. We will walk with lanterns or artificial candles. The procession in the darkness is to depict what the survivors go through. The lantern in our hands is a sign of hope.”
She added that DOVVSU will also use poetry and storytelling—including fireside sessions—to further engage the public and empower survivors.
The newly commissioned DOVVSU facility, which became operational last year, provides a supportive space for survivors.
Located within the Police Headquarters in Accra, it includes sleeping quarters, a fully equipped kitchen, modern restrooms, and an air-conditioned garden to serve as a space for relaxation and healing.
“It’s a nice place which needs to be properly put to use, so victims should patronize it,” she noted.
ACP Kyeremeh urged the public to make use of DOVVSU’s services, stressing that the unit remains committed to supporting victims and ensuring justice is served.
