{
  "id": 13135316,
  "title": "Fear, institutional bias, and lack of support keep domestic abuse victims from reporting – Lawyer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/fear-institutional-bias-and-lack-of-support-keep-domestic-abuse",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T14:28:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/fear-institutional-bias-and-lack-of-support-keep-domestic-abuse-victims-from-reporting-lawyer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Executive Secretary of the African Women Lawyers Association, Marian Darlington, explained why domestic abuse survivors often hesitate to report their experiences to the police. She highlighted three main obstacles: fear of retaliation, doubts about prosecution, and a lack of support. Some victims are concerned that coming forward could lead to further harm, especially if they believe their abusers have the power to avoid justice. Another factor is the perceived lack of effective action from authorities, as victims worry the abuser's influence or connections might prevent the police from taking appropriate steps. Ms. Darlington also pointed out that victims may receive biased or unhelpful responses from those handling their cases. Rather than offering protection and support, some people question the victims' own actions or advise them to alter their behavior to avoid further abuse. This shift in responsibility from the perpetrator to the victim can further discourage survivors from seeking help. Additionally, the way domestic abuse cases are handled can prioritize preserving marriages over ensuring victims' safety. Ms. Darlington criticized the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for their approach, noting that some officers view their role as maintaining family stability rather than providing immediate protection from violence. This perspective, she argued, leaves victims without the necessary support to leave abusive relationships. Finally, she emphasized that victims often receive little practical or emotional assistance after deciding to report or leave their abusers, leaving them to deal with the consequences of their actions alone.",
  "summary": "Executive Secretary of the African Women Lawyers Association, Marian Darlington, has said that the fear of retaliation, doubts about whether perpetrators will be prosecuted, and a lack of support are among the reasons victims of domestic abuse struggle to report their experiences to the police.",
  "key_points": [
    "Domestic abuse victims fear retaliation and doubt prosecution outcomes.",
    "Lack of support and biased responses discourage survivors from reporting.",
    "Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit prioritizes family stability over victim safety."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}