Policemen in Sissala district schooled on domestic violence

About fifty Police personnel in the Sissala district of the Upper West region have ended a two-day workshop on domestic violence against women and on the rights of the child at Tumu.

The workshop, which was organised by the regional Police Command and sponsored by Action-Aid, a British non-governmental organisation, was aimed at sensitising participants on domestic violence to enable them to appropriately handle cases of that nature.

Mr George Ankobil, the deputy Regional Police Commander, who was the main resource person, regretted that some men in the region did not treat their wives and children properly.

He reminded participants that as police officers, they should consider violence against women and children as a crime and not as a social problem that should be solved at home.

Chief Superintendent Ankobil urged police personnel to investigate complaints of domestic violence reported to them.

The deputy regional police commander called on Ghanaians to recognise the rights of women and children by treating them fairly.

Mr Ankobil said the incidence of domestic violence against women was a serious problem at the various police barracks and advised policemen to stop the practice of venting their spleen on their wives and children.

Policemen were asked to assist in the curbing domestic violence against women by eliminating it at the barracks.

He called on the public to respect the rights of women, children and the since they were vulnerable.

Chief Inspector Joseph Darison of the Women and Juveniles Unit of the Police at Wa, said although there were instances of violence by women against men, available statistics showed that men are the worst offenders.

He said apart from physical violence, there are several other forms of violence against women, which include withdrawal of economic and financial support