Institutional challenges to delivering domestic violence services in Ghana: A case of structural violence?

Abstract

In Ghana, institutional support for victims of domestic violence is provided by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), a specialized unit of the Ghana Police Services. We conducted in-depth interviews with 16 women with a history of domestic violence and 10 DOVVSU personnel in Greater Accra, Ashanti, and North regions. The purpose was to document institutional challenges to delivering domestic violence services in Ghana and determine whether these cause further harm to victims and survivors and thus constitute structural violence. Challenges were linked to a lack of investment in developing the infrastructure needed to address inaccessibility to domestic violence services and to create risk mitigation strategies. This is a case of structural violence because further harm is caused when women lack institutional support, including revictimization, unwanted pregnancy, family tensions, abandonment, premature death, unprofessionalism, and ethical distress. The government should provide more resources to address the challenges.