By: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com

The Ashanti Regional Unit of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) has launched a 30-day activism against gender-based violence.

The activism aims at creating the necessary awareness to discourage domestic violence, as well as encouraging people suffering from any form of gender-based violence, to report to DOVVSU for support.

Some scenes from the ceremony

The national campaign was recently launched in Accra, and the Ashanti Regional launch was performed by the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, on Tuesday, 8th July 2025.

DOVVSU, which was formally called WAJU (Women and Juvenile Support Unit), was established in October 1998 in response to the increasing number of cases involving abuse in domestic relationships, especially against women and children.

DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe in a group photograph with DOVVSU Unit personnel

The 30-day event commenced on 2nd July, and it is supposed to end on 31st July 2025.

The event is on the theme: “From Silence to Strength: Speak Up, Stand Up, Support”.

DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, who launched the campaign, urged all stakeholders to join hands to help kick out domestic violence.

According to him, the country needs a holistic family home to propel it for accelerated development, stressing that the fight against domestic violence is a shared responsibility and everyone should join the campaign.

The Regional Police Commander pledged his unwavering commitment and support for the DOVVSU unit.

The Regional DOVVSU Co-ordinator, Chief Superintendent of Police Madam Victoria Yeboah Dankwa, stated “we want to kick out all forms of gender-based violence. I’m, therefore, urging everyone to trust and support us to fight together. We need total peace from everyone to accelerate development. There can’t be development when there is no peace at home.”

“Let’s work together to break the silence and build a stronger, safer community. We want to assure the public that our doors are widely open to everyone who needs help,” she added.

She revealed that many people are suffering needlessly through violence, whether verbal, psychological, sexual, or physical.

Madam Darkwa encouraged all Ghanaians with issues of gender-based violence to report to DOVVSU for support.

“We want everyone to trust us to protect their privacy and rights,” she emphasised.

The Regional DOVVSU Co-ordinator, therefore, stressed the need for journalists and media stations to help protect the privacy and the rights of the victims of domestic violence, especially children.

The participants were drawn from the various districts and units of DOVVSU in the Ashanti Region.

After the official launch, they embarked on a float to create awareness within the principal streets of Kumasi.