Obuasi DOVVSU trains school authorities on handling sexual abuse cases

The Obuasi Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) has conducted a workshop aimed at training school authorities and social welfare directors on how to manage sexual abuse cases involving students. The training covered topics such as children's rights and the appropriate response to incidents of sexual abuse. The initiative follows a recent sexual misconduct case reported at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

ASP Benedicta Okyerewaa Biney, the Obuasi Divisional DOVVSU Commander, explained that the program was organized based on the directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The main objective of the workshop is to equip school authorities, social welfare officers, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills to identify, report, and effectively manage cases of sexual abuse involving children.

ASP Okyerewaa Biney cautioned against individuals who engage in sexually abusive or exploitative behavior towards minors, emphasizing that offenders could face between seven and 25 years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime. DSP Robert Adombila Apelkiwine, the Obuasi Divisional Operations Commander, advised parents to establish strong relationships with their children, fostering open communication about any experiences they may have.

He also encouraged parents to maintain regular contact with teachers to identify any behavioral changes in their children that could indicate potential issues.

The workshop attracted participation from school gender coordinators and social welfare directors who welcomed the training. They expressed that the program has improved their understanding of how to handle and report sexual abuse and misconduct cases involving children.