Statistical analysis of reports on domestic violence in Ghana

Abstract

The incidence of the print and electronic media reports on violence and abuse in the domestic setting heightened the interest for this study and has therefore served as a major source of motivation for this research work. The work seeks to investigate the causes of domestic violence vis-à-vis the consequences of such acts. The major findings indicated that domestic violence in Ghana can best be described as violence against women and children. It was also discovered that domestic violence transcends race or tribe and social status. It was realized from the study that the youth in our society are vulnerable to domestic violence as victims. However, the middle ageds were found to be the most perpetrators of domestic violence. The study also revealed that about half the number of perpetrators of domestic violence had no apparent reason. Some other causes include parental irresponsibility, infidelity and mere misunderstanding. Furthermore, it was realized that consequences of domestic violence vary from minor injury to permanent disability and in some cases death. It is recommended that women and the youths need to be empowered through education, employment opportunities and legal literacy. Institutions like DOVVSU and Department of Social Welfare, should be well resourced to provide support and counselling to victims of domestic violence. The perpetrators of domestic violence in some cases may also need to be counselled.