In a bid to bolster the fight against domestic and gender-based violence, the Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, Esq., has held a strategic engagement with police personnel across various divisions.
The session, which formed part of DOVVSU’s ongoing efforts to promote a more responsive and compassionate policing approach, focused on equipping officers with critical skills and knowledge for handling cases involving abuse, particularly those affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
Addressing participants, ACP Kyeremeh stressed the need for officers to demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and empathy in their daily operations.
She underscored that survivors of domestic and sexual abuse must be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect to enable healing and justice.
“Our duty goes beyond enforcement—it is about giving voice to the voiceless. Victims of abuse are often silenced by fear, shame, and stigma. As police officers, we must be the bridge between their silence and their strength,” ACP Kyeremeh said.
She urged personnel to adopt a survivor-centered approach in their investigations and interactions, noting that the trauma experienced by victims requires careful, sensitive, and non-judgmental responses.
The training also touched on best practices in handling reports of domestic violence, proper case documentation, and the importance of maintaining the privacy and safety of survivors throughout legal and medical processes.
ACP Kyeremeh, who is also a trained lawyer, reiterated DOVVSU’s commitment to ensuring that survivors are not re-victimised by the justice system.
She also reminded officers that every action taken—from the way victims are received at the station to how their statements are taken—could either strengthen or weaken their pursuit of justice.
“Let us not forget that the uniform we wear gives us the power to protect. Let us use that power to stand up for those who are hurting and hold perpetrators accountable,” she added.
The initiative, which falls under the broader campaign theme “From Silence to Strength: Speak Up, Stand Up, Support,” is expected to be rolled out nationwide to build a more survivor-sensitive police culture and to strengthen community confidence in the Ghana Police Service.
