One in every three women assaulted by partners - Study

Nkawie (Ash), Aug 19, GNA - A recent national study on violence against women revealed that one in every three women had either been beaten, slapped or physically punished by their partners.

Miss Eudora C. Oppong, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), who announced this at a seminar for members of the Atwima District Assembly, said in some cases spousal deaths had occurred.

Speaking at a workshop on domestic violence, organised by the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) at Nkawie on Monday, Miss Oppong said there was the need for special protection for the victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children.

Miss Oppong said criminalizing domestic violence under the criminal code would provide protection against customary practices, which demeaned the quality of human life.

She mentioned assault and battery, incest, rape, defilement, widowhood rites and early customary marriage as domestic violence, adding that, customary servitude and female genital mutilation were also offences under the code.

Mrs Elizabeth Adubofour, Project Co-ordinator of CEDEP, said the workshop was aimed at bringing the law on domestic violence to the doorsteps of stakeholders in the Atwima District. She urged the participants to educate their people against sexual harassment, economic and psychological violence in their communities.