Domestic violence and victim support unit (DOVVSU) and child rights promotion in the Ayawaso East Sub Metropolis in Accra-Ghana

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Ayawaso East Sub-Metro in Accra. It assessed the effectiveness of DOVVSU in the promotion and protection of the rights of children. This purely descriptive study adopted the quantitative and qualitative paradigms using the mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Two hundred and twenty (220) respondents comprising 121 JHS pupils, 22 teachers, 55 parents and 22 DOVVSU officials were sampled through simple random, proportionate quota, and purposive sampling techniques for the study. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.75), and a semi-structured interview guide. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively and presented in tables as well as figures as frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data were transcribed and presented in themes as narratives, verbatim or direct quotations. The study revealed the most prevalent forms of child rights abuses in the area to include physical and sexual abuse, child labour, child abandonment, and child non maintenance. The DOVVSU rarely organized child rights promotion activities in the area, and very little was accomplished through advocacy, and education programmes. DOVVSU was less effective, and coverage of their programmes was relatively low. Inadequate funds and logistics hindered the effective organization of child rights promotion and protection activities by the DOVVSU. It was recommended, among others, that the DOVVSU should be well resourced with funds and logistics. The DOVVSU in partnership with the sub metropolitan assembly, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Department of Social Welfare, the Federation of Women Lawyers, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organisations, as well as media institutions should carry out frequent advocacy and education programmes to prevent child rights violations. They should arrest and prosecute perpetrators of child rights violations.