Domestic Violence Secretariat (DV)




February 9, 2017 3:04 pm

The Domestic Violence Secretariat was established by Domestic Violence Act, 2007 Act 732. The Secretariat is managed by a thirteen (13) member Management Board established by the Domestic Violence Act. The overall goal of the Domestic Violence Secretariat (DVS) is to facilitate the elimination of domestic violence from the Ghanaian Society, create family cohesion and provide for a peaceful environment for national development.

Mandate

The mandate of the Domestic Violence Secretariat is to provide protection against domestic violence particularly for women and children.

Vision

A domestic violence free society and a strong family cohesion which will contribute effectively towards National development process in Ghana by 2017.

Mission

Facilitate an effective coordination and efficient response actions to combat domestic violence and protect the fundamental human rights of women and children in Ghana through a broad-based (multi-sectoral) approach.

Core Values

The DV Secretariat is guided by the following values:

  • Client services
  • Gender sensitive
  • Equity
  • Integrity
  • Diligence
  • Timeliness
  • Transparency
  • Environmentally conscious
  • Creativity and
  • Accountability

Functions

The core activities/Functions of the Secretariat include the following:

  • Set standards of practice, which inform intra-agency and interagency protocols;
  • Lead coordination effort at three levels: policy institutions level; at the national/regional/district among service providers; and community level response;
  • Organize inter-agency meetings for referrals;
  • Act as clearing house for data collection analysis and storage;
  • Coordinate a circular feedback system from Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs)and other actors “to catch problems in response”
  • Act as the central depository for information on domestic violence, violence against cases and sexual and gender-based violence
  • Coordinate mass sensitization activities
  • Coordinate research and studies on domestic violence
  • Undertake pilot projects for lessons to be learnt to promote good practices
  • Set up complaints mechanisms for survivors and the general public
  • Source and reporting on funds to operationalize the implementation plan
  • Establish indicators to track the implementation of the act
  • Set up an effective monitoring and evaluation system and implement it.
  • Lead/coordinate media standards for reporting and capacity building
  • Coordinate curriculum development for agencies and capacity building initiatives including:
  • coordinating the tools and materials available, reviewing, updating and adopting, monitoring performance and effectiveness of programs.
  • Promote networking among key stakeholders by the creation of a nationwide network of assistance services
  • Facilitate the setting up of state run shelters and develop standards for the operation of private shelters;
  • Establishment of a circular feedback system for problems with a response and complaints mechanism for victims

Objectives

The overall objectives of the secretariat are as follows,

  • To reduce the incidence of DV(Domestic Violence) in Ghana
  • to ensure victims/survivors safety and enhance their empowerment
  • to ensure protection of victims/survivors of the DV
  • to improve the quality of service provision for victims/survivors and enhance their access to it
  • to ensure perpetrator accountability through formal and informal redress systems
  • to ensure systems responsiveness and accountability through the use of protocols,
  • guidelines and regulations
  • to promote community involvement/participation in addressing issues of DV
  • to foster effective partnership/coordination among stakeholders to address DV