By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Nov. 27, GNA — The Social Workers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has called on stakeholders to break the culture of silence on domestic violence, stressing that domestic violence thrives in silence.
SWAG, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said stakeholders such as community leaders, faith-based organisations, opinion leaders, and citizens must actively protect survivors rather than blaming or shaming them.
The statement was in reaction to a viral video in which a man violently stripped his wife naked and brutally assaulted her.
It noted that the government must urgently strengthen and adequately resource institutions mandated to protect vulnerable persons, particularly the Social Welfare at the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies; build shelters in each district; and equip community social workers, while implementing prevention programmes.
SWAG also pushed for a national review of domestic violence response systems to ensure early detection, rapid intervention, and survivor-centred services across all districts.
It stressed that the government must make Domestic Violence Funds available and accessible for all Ghanaians.
SWAG expressed outrage and deep indignation over the incident, stating that: “This act is barbaric, dehumanising, and a grave violation of her fundamental human rights.”
The association noted that while it acknowledged the intervention of the Ghana Police Service and commended the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection for publicly denouncing the act and initiating psychological and social support for the survivor, these actions must mark only the beginning of a sustained, coordinated response that ensures justice, accountability, and meaningful protection of the vulnerable in the society.
It asserted that violence against the vulnerable, especially women, was a national emergency, adding that such cruelty must never be normalised, minimised, or tolerated within any community or household.
SWAG emphasised that the survivor deserved comprehensive, trauma-informed psychological care, legal guidance, social protection, and ongoing safety planning to ensure her long-term wellbeing and rehabilitation.
“We demand an expedited, transparent, and uncompromising investigation. The perpetrator must face the full force of the law without interference, delay, or negotiation,” it added.
It reaffirmed members’ commitment to champion human rights, promote gender justice, and build a Ghana where every individual, especially women and children, lives free from fear, violence, and intimidation.
“We stand unwaveringly with the survivor and all victims of abuse across the country. No woman, child, or individual deserves to endure such cruelty.”
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei