By: Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
Experts are increasingly pushing for urgent reforms and stronger public awareness to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Ghana, noting that cultural norms, stigma, and weak support structures continue to hinder progress.
Ophelia Boma Azure, a clinical psychologist speaking on GTV’s breakfast show on Tuesday November 25,2025 explained that many forms of gender-based violence in Ghana remain normalized, despite clearly violating human rights.
She noted that acts such as sexual abuse, economic control, psychological manipulation, forced child marriage, and harassment continue to occur in communities across the country, often without being reported.
According to Ophelia , longstanding cultural and historical influences including patriarchal expectations and the legacy of corporal punishment introduced during colonial times have shaped attitudes toward discipline, masculinity, and power.
These beliefs, she said, contribute to harmful practices being passed down from one generation to the next.
“Society has normalized certain behaviours for so long that people no longer recognize them as abusive,but acceptance does not erase the harm.”she said .
She also pointed to gender stereotyping within families, where boys and girls may be mentored by parents who themselves have experienced violence. This, she warned, creates a cycle in which harmful behaviour becomes learned and reproduced.
A major concern raised was the tendency of communities to ignore or avoid intervening in abuse cases. Psychological theories such as bystander behavior and in-group bias, she explained, help illustrate why many people do not step in, even when they witness or hear signs of violence.
Fear for personal safety, lack of knowledge on how to help, and the social cost of getting involved were cited as common reasons.
Victims, particularly women, often face stigma, disbelief, and financial challenges that make it difficult to report abuse or leave harmful relationships. “Stigma affects decision-making,” she emphasized. “People fear being judged, labeled, or blamed. Many lack financial independence or a support system, so leaving becomes extremely difficult.”
She added that, men experience abuse but are often reluctant to report it due to expectations.
