Ghana Girl Guide Encourages Abused Women to Speak Up For Help

Ghana Girl Guide Association has encouraged women suffering in abusive relationships have been advised to speak up in order for them to get help rather than keeping silent and enduring the torture that could negatively affect their health and economic fortunes.

They are therefore advised to also report their abusers to the appropriate agencies such as the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Department of Social Welfare among others for support in addressing the issue.

Mrs. Abdul Wahab Zakiya, the Chief Commissioner of Ghana Girl Guide Association gave the advice during a community forum on Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Girls (EROP) yesterday at Achimota in Accra.

Mrs. Zakiya pointed out that any form of abuse by their partners was against their human rights and dignity, adding that women should therefore not keep quiet and allow their rights to be trampled upon in the name of marriage or even in ordinary relationships.

She said abusive relationships could harm the woman physically or emotionally, destroy her future plans, and render her economically unproductive and poverty stricken.

The commissioner also appealed to men to endeavour to protect their wives against abuse so that they could continue to be happy and healthy to work and support them to take care of their families.