Violence against women in Ghana: a look at womenʹs perceptions and review of policy and social responses

This study examines violence against women in Ghana and how it affects and is perceived by them. It looks at violence as experienced by Ghanaian women of varying ages, socio-economic status and professional standing. It defines domestic violence as violence intentionally perpetrated by husbands or male partners—people known to be intimate associates. Domestic violence is approached from a multidimensional perspective by examining the multiple facets of violence against women: sexual, socio-economic, cultural, pseudo-religious and mental torture. Womenʹs perceptions of their rights, responsibilities, duties and abuses or violations are evaluated using open-ended qualitative questions in two major cities in Ghana: Accra and Kumasi. Policy responses to domestic violence are then examined by first reviewing what provisions exist in the countryʹs constitution to address the problem and then the specific steps the government itself has taken. Civil societyʹs response in the form of activities by non-governmental organizations is also reviewed. Finally, the effects of domestic violence on womenʹs health and well-being are examined and suggestions for addressing the problem are made.