Ghana raises issue of funding protection for domestic violence victims — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, the author of a commentary on the application of the Domestic Violence Act raised the issue of the availability of state assistance for survivors. As MyJoyOnline reports, the law provides for free medical treatment for a victim whom the police help obtain such assistance. At the same time, travel, document, medication, temporary housing and legal aid costs may create financial barriers.
Legal guarantees
Ghana's Domestic Violence Act of 2007 (Act 732) covers not only physical violence but also sexual, economic, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse. Police must help survivors obtain medical care, reach a safe place, preserve evidence, and inform them about available rights and services.
The police Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, DOVVSU, states that its services must be free and also include referrals to medical, psychological and social assistance. The author emphasizes that the protection system must be accessible both to women and children, who remain disproportionately vulnerable, and to men who experience violence.
Statistics and budget
According to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, approximately one-third of women aged 15 to 49 reported physical violence after the age of 15, while 14% reported sexual violence. Among women who experienced physical or sexual violence, 51% had never sought help or told anyone about it.
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In 2025, the total budget of Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was about 3.2 billion Ghanaian cedis. State funding for the Domestic Violence Office was planned at 337.5 thousand cedis, with another 1.5 million cedis expected from donors.
In the initial 2026 budget table, 1 million Ghanaian cedis was allocated for the Domestic Violence Fund, while subsequent budget comparisons listed an amount of approximately 1.17 million cedis. The commentary's author called on the authorities to publish data on planned, allocated and spent funds and services for survivors.
Assistance in Accra
Accra has a One-Stop Centre that includes a clinic and laboratory, courts, social and psychological support, as well as shelter-related assistance. At the end of 2025, DOVVSU reported that the centre's clinical and laboratory services were provided to survivors free of charge. In February 2026, a therapeutic garden was also opened there to support counselling and recovery. The author raises the issue of the availability of similar services for people outside the capital.
