The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Oti Regional Police Command has emphasized the critical role of community involvement in combating child abuse and gender-based violence (GBV).
Detective Lance Corporal Destiny Selormey, representing the unit, urged Ghanaians to actively report any suspected cases of child abuse to ensure timely intervention and justice.
Addressing participants during a community outreach program focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of GBV and advocating for children’s rights, Corporal Selormey highlighted that tackling such violence requires a shared commitment among all stakeholders — from families and schools to religious bodies and local authorities.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he underscored the far-reaching consequences of child abuse, which not only inflicts physical harm but also leads to emotional trauma and social issues like school violence, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency. He stressed that protecting children is not just the duty of law enforcement but a collective societal responsibility.
“Creating a safe, nurturing environment for children depends on everyone’s vigilance and willingness to act,” Corporal Selormey said. “We call on every Ghanaian to join hands with DOVVSU to make our communities safer and ensure perpetrators of abuse face appropriate sanctions.”
He further emphasized that child abuse remains a grave crime, whether it occurs at home, school, or within religious institutions, and urged the public to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all children.
