“Ghana needs accurate data on sexual violence victims”

A research report on sexual violence against women and girls in Ghana, has called for the need to improve data collection systems to accurately capture the prevalence, nature, and consequence of sexual violence, to help address the menace.

The research which was a three-year project by the African Women’s Development Fund in collaboration with Ford Foundation West Africa and Open Society West Africa, is demanding for a proper accurate data of victims of sexual violence to  help seek justice,  and as well have proper data to influence policy decision making.

It was conducted in 2022 in partnership with the Centre For Health Development and Research, and the White Ribbon Alliance in Kenya,   to scale up intervention to address and reduce sexual violence in the country  

Over 4,500 girls and women  were engaged during the research, carried out in 11 regions including Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Volta, and Upper West, with information gathered from the respondent using standardized questionnaires.

With institutions such as the  Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, that  provided their input,  the research delved into the definition of sexual violence, highlighting the unanimous agreement among the participants that includes any non-consensual abuse or assault among others.

The Technical Consultant of the Project, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi, presenting the findings of the report to some selected journalists at a day workshop yesterday in Accra, said, about 70 percent of the respondents understood sexual violence.

She said the age of the respondents was between 10 to 60 years, with most of the respondents who have been sexually abused not able to seek justice due to  lack of funds to pay for their medical care.

She added that sexual violence was not a simple issue, as it  involves a multi stakeholders factors such as cultural norms, social attitude, legal shortcomings, and economic dependencies, stressing ” addressing sexual violence requires a nuanced understanding of these interrelated factors.”

She further stated that “Sexual Violence has devastating consequences on survivors, affecting them physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the broader impact on society includes strain on healthcare systems, legal framework, and overall community well-being.”

“Comprehensive support services are vital for survivors of sexual violence. Accessible and sensitive healthcare, counselling, and trauma-informed care are essential for healing and recovery,” Dr Dennis-Antwi said.

BY BERNARD BENGHAN