Police strengthen capacity to deal with gender-based violence

A three-day training workshop to strengthen the capacity of the police to appropriately respond to the surge of sexual and gender-based abuse, has opened in Kumasi.

Forty (40) Coordinators of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) and Instructors are attending the three-day programme and they would be taken through a wide range of topics – “Human rights”, “Sexual and gender-based violence”, Sexual and reproductive health rights, “Early and forced marriages”.

It is being organized with support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Habiba Twumasi Sarpong, acting National DOVVSU Coordinator, said the goal was to help them to deepen their understanding of a "Manual” developed to provide protection for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

This, she said had become necessary given the disturbing rise in gender-based violence.

She could not readily provide figures but noted that abuse of women and children hit record high last year.

ACP Twumasi Sarpong said there was an urgent need to adequately equip the police to detect, identify victims and give the necessary support to them to get justice.

She said it was important for the police to be familiar with the relevant national laws and policies to effectively tackle any breaches.

ACP Kwaku Osei Ampofo Duku, Deputy Ashanti Regional Commissioner, reminded officers and men of the service to be mindful of their actions and operate strictly within the law.