Group partners with crime Check to fight sexual violence

A group of Ghanaian professional ladies based in the Netherlands has partnered with Crime Check Foundation to create awareness on sexual violence.

The group, Perfect Ladies International, donated €1600 to kick start the campaign in Ghana.

Presenting the cash donation to the Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the leader of the group, Naa Jormo Akua Dedaa I, Queen mother of Kuntunse, stressed that rape and sexual violence should not be condoned.According to her, rape victims often shy away from reporting cases for fear of being stigmatised.

“As a Queen mother, I have had to take up cases of rape to the police and ensure that the victim gets justice, but we cannot do it alone,” she noted.

According to her, the number of unreported sexual abuse cases is increasing. Therefore, the decision by the group to start the advocacy project.

Every year in Ghana, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) records more than 15,000 cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

An average of 40 cases of sexual violence are reported daily in Ghana, authorities have revealed.

Naa Jormo Akua Dedaa I emphasised the impact of the crime, noting that victims are left to suffer “emotionally, psychologically and physically for a lifetime in some cases”.

A member of the group, Mama Elorm Fiawotoe II, Queen mother of Fiangor in the Aflao Traditional Area, entreated traditional leaders to desist from interfering in cases of sexual violence.

“We have seen cases where traditional and opinion leaders intervene for culprits, but that should not be encouraged. Rape is a crime, and perpetrators must be punished,” she added.

Receiving the donations, Mr Oppong Kwarteng stressed the importance of sensitising the general public, especially girls, on sexual violence.

“ By virtue of the work we do here, we get a lot of calls on these cases, and you couldn’t have come at the right time. We will gladly work with you to educate the people on rape,” he assured.

Perfect Ladies International has been in existence for five years.

It focuses on social issues relating to women and children.