The Gender Department of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has advised that the public not to interfere with evidence on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The Volta Regional Gender Officer, Thywill Kpe emphasized that these cases are criminal offenses and should be promptly reported to the police for the prosecution of those responsible with realistic evidence.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Cape Coast, she emphasized the need to promptly report such crimes to protect victims and maintain crucial evidence.
“Violence maims, destroys, and kills, so if something like that happens, report immediately to the police and don’t tamper with the evidence,” she emphasized.
“We all have a stake in preventing SGBV and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted. Let’s all do our part for the good of Ghana,” she added.
Mr Kpe recommended that individuals who experience sexual or physical abuse should, with the assistance of family or friends, seek medical attention immediately to prevent potential consequences such as sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy.
“Usually, we tend to blame and isolate victims of rape and defilement and call them bad children; it is very wrong to do that. Nobody has the right to abuse anyone under any circumstance.
“In such harrowing moments, seek psychological help for them; they need counseling and not blame and insult,” she added.
To reduce the prevalence of SGBV, the gender officer called for the elimination or reform of harmful religious and cultural practices that negatively impact women and girls.
“We need to enact by-laws in our communities to address such cases and increase advocacy to end it. And while at that, we have to empower our women and girls to be more assertive,” she said.