Exploring domestic violence perspectives of women victims and DOVVSU officials in the Effutu Municipality

Abstract

Domestic violence is one of the violence affecting women in the world. In order to deal with this canker, the Domestic Violence Act 732 was passed in Ghana. The study was designed to explore the perspectives of women victims of domestic violence and Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) officials in the Effutu municipality. The study was conducted qualitatively with a sample size of 20, which was made up of 15 women victims and 5 DOVVSU officials. Participants were sampled using the convenient, snowballing and purposive sampling techniques. Interview sessions were used to collect data, which was then analyzed thematically using the research questions. The study revealed that physical abuse, such as rape and beating, is the main form of violence experienced by victims. It was also revealed that drugs, religion, and culture are the causes of violence against women. The study again revealed that victims needed some basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment, economic assistance, and justice. The study also revealed that DOVVSU officials are faced with challenges such as a lack of expertise, insufficient logistics, and delays. The study concluded that most victims lose interest in visiting DOVVSU because their religious leaders discourage them, with some women also seeing it as a waste of time and also a reminder of their pain.