By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has highlighted the challenges of addressing domestic violence, citing cases where victims refuse to cooperate with authorities after reporting abuse by later denying the report or even pleading for their abuser’s release.
“These women come to us for help or support, and when we pick up the case and take it to court, they say that they never reported it,” she said.
A specific instance cited by Dr. Lartey involved a woman who reported her husband’s abuse but later sent voice notes pleading for him to be left free after sanctions were imposed.
Speaking on GBC’s Women’s Voice on Wednesday, January 28, the Minister revealed that this behaviour by victims often undermines efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
Dr. Lartey emphasised that not everyone wants their story heard, making it crucial to handle cases with sensitivity. “It is not everyone who wants their story heard, so we are careful how much we put out there.”
She noted that the ministry has support systems in place, including the Orange Support Centre, toll-free numbers, and the Domestic Violence Secretariat at the ministry, for people who are abused and need help to simply walk in.
The Minister urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure victims can pursue justice and that abuse cases are effectively addressed nationwide.
She added that the government has shelters for trafficked and abused persons; however, they are inadequate. According to her, President Mahama promised 16 shelters nationwide, and three are set to be established this year.
