By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), June 12, GNA – Poor documentation of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases by some officers of the state institutions is undermining efforts to secure convictions against perpetrators, Social Inclusion Specialist Thywill Eyra Kpe, has noted.
She explained that inadequate record-keeping, incomplete medico-legal reports and weak case documentation often create gaps in evidence, making it difficult for prosecutors to successfully present cases before the courts.
Mrs Kpe, who is also the Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender and Social Welfare, made the observation during a training workshop for members of the Oti Regional Essential Services Package (ESP) Committee, held at Bosatsu in the Krachi East Municipality.
The training formed part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Essential Services Package framework, which seeks to ensure that survivors of SGBV receive coordinated, quality and survivor-centered services from key institutions, including the police, health sector, social welfare and the justice system.
Mrs Kpe noted that while significant progress had been made in reporting incidents of domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, the quality of documentation remained a major challenge affecting prosecution outcomes.
She explained that many cases fail in court because critical information needed to establish the facts of the case is either omitted, poorly recorded or not properly presented in case dockets and accompanying reports.
“Judges rely heavily on evidence and official records to determine cases. When information is incomplete, inaccurate or difficult to interpret, it weakens the prosecution case and can result in perpetrators being acquitted,” she stated.
Mrs Kpe stressed the importance of comprehensive medico-legal documentation, describing it as one of the strongest forms of evidence in cases involving sexual and physical violence.
She urged health professionals, police investigators and social workers to work collaboratively to ensure that medical examination reports, witness statements and other supporting documents are accurately prepared and submitted within the required timelines.
The Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist further emphasized the need for timely referrals of survivors to legal aid and other support services to ensure that victims receive the protection, counselling and legal assistance necessary throughout the justice process.
She noted that delays in referrals often discourage survivors from pursuing cases, while inadequate support systems may lead to withdrawal of complaints before matters reach the courts.
Mrs Kpe called on officers of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service and all frontline service providers to prioritise accurate documentation, maintain confidentiality and adhere to established referral pathways in handling SGBV cases.
She said effective documentation not only strengthens prosecutions but also safeguards the rights and dignity of survivors while enhancing accountability within the justice system.
The specialist reiterated that addressing SGBV requires a coordinated multi-sectoral approach involving the police, health institutions, social welfare agencies, legal practitioners, traditional authorities and civil society organizations.
She urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration and information sharing to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive support and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah