DOVVSU needs to be overhauled- Queen tells gov’t
CCFAfter failing to get justice for a 7-year-old girl who was defiled by his brother in her area, the Queenmother of Kutunse, Naa Joormo Dedaa I is urging government to turn attention to improving the services of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
Her appeal follows the deplorable nature of an office of DOVVSU she visited in pursuit of justice for the little girl.
“They did not even have computers, laptops, and equipment to help them interview a victim. When I went there, I met about 30 people in the office, which was small. They do not have space to hold interviews privately with victims,” she recounted how the victim was shy to open up because people were around.
The Queen who is a rights activist leading rights advocacy group, Perfect Ladies International said the deplorable state of DOVVSU does not position it to deliver justice as some staff are even unable to write statements.
Mrs. Dedaa said this when she visited Crime Check Foundation (CCF) to seek collaboration in fighting for justice for defiled children.
“We want you to help advocate for justice for victims. We want you to push government to make justice accessible to victims,” she told Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Executive Director, CCF.
The Netherland-based queen asked government to revamp DOVVSU to enable it to fight for justice for children.
“Another issue I realized was that the personnel at the office were not educated enough. Even writing a statement was a difficult task for them. I am pleading with government to intervene in the situation because the number of victims without justice is huge,” she appealed.
Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng pledged the organization’s support to advocate for justice for victims.
“Our platforms are respected and will impact if we carry out the advocacy. You have our support,” he assured.
Through its medium, CCF would intensify advocacy for justice for victims of defilement who have been denied justice.
