In Sunyani, the Bono regional capital, a teenager has reported his family to the Bono Regional Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for not providing him with enough food and pocket money.
Bono Regional Coordinator of the DOVVSU, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Beatrice Korsah, who revealed the matter to the media noted that the issue has since been resolved after the complaint. “We invited his parents and we have since resolved the matter amicably,” she noted.
According to DSP Korsah: “The boy came to the unit in uniform”, explaining that “his situation highlights the plight of many children who are suffering in their homes in silence.”
She commended the young boy for taking such a bold decision to fight for his fundamental human rights.
The DOVVSU Coordinator explained that the teenager’s action resulted in a positive outcome, reinforcing the Unit’s commitment to ensuring people who suffer abuses have their support to report their issues.
“His decision to report his parents led to a positive outcome and his example demonstrates DOVVSU’s commitment to supporting victims of abuse and providing a safe space for them to report their cases.”
She raised concerns about societal stigmatisation that has prevented a lot of men who are experiencing domestic violence to report to the police.
DSP Korsah advised the public to trust and maintain their confidence and report domestic violence and other human rights abuses to the DOVVSU, saying everybody, regardless of age or gender, could report cases to the unit.
“Every abuse case must be reported to DOVVSU personnel who are well trained and capable of handling them professionally”, saying “DOVVSU unite and not disintegrate families”.
She stressed the fact that DOVVSU exists, not only for women and children, but all people, regardless of age, gender or anything.
“The DOVVSU is a safe space for everyone, including children, male, and females, hence the need for everybody to feel comfortable reporting cases of violence,” she noted.
Mamprugu Moagduri: 8-year-old boy drowns in rain-filled pit after downpour
