A Resolve to Protect Our Children From Abuse
The UNICEF supported Network's meeting was aimed at discussing and finalizing a draft standardized framework for effective referral of child abuse.
The Child Abuse Network (CAN) is a coalition of NGO's, Government Agencies, Individuals and the Police who are committed to protecting children from abuse and the risk of it. The main aim of the CAN is to establish and reinforce a National Child Abuse network as part of an effective and comprehensive National Child Protection System with a multi-sectoral approach through the coordinated engagement of the Stakeholders and a strong component of the Private Sector.
The consultative meeting which also reviewed input of committees tasked with working on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing child abuse was a great success because it produced a draft working document to be reviewed and adopted.
In line with its resolve to combat Child Abuse, the CAN through the efforts of the National Secretariat of DOVVSU, has acquired a five room office in the premises of the Police Hospital. Furnishing and other equipment support will be provided by UNICEF and possibly other partners.
Plans for the establishment of a Help line is under discussion as part of efforts to provide services for abused children. It was also agreed that Advocacy should be vibrant both in combating child abuse and to widen the membership base.
The establishment of CAN became necessary in 2008 because in spite of Ghana's Child Protection efforts evident in the country being signatory to International Instruments, Constitutional provisions, Law reforms and enactment of legislative and social Policies, Child Abuse is on the ascendancy.
The astronomical figures for defilement and child non-maintenance are alarming. According to the Chief Superintendent of Police and National Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit DOVVSU, Madam Elizabeth Dassah, the Unit had recorded 1427, 1578, and 1080 cases of defilement in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. The recorded cases of 5005, 6297, and 7044 for non-maintenance for the same years are even more worrying.
The incidence of child neglect, sexual, physical, emotional abuse and inimical cultural practices all constitute the forms of abuse the Ghanaian Child is subjected to. These practically run through all the agencies that affect the developmental process of the child; the home, communities, schools, religious sites, orphanages and the streets among others. Sadly, the perpetrators of child abuse are usually persons close to the victims and supposed to be their care givers or persons they trust.
The Child Abuse Network, (CAN) with its composition of medical, legal and social expertise in Child Protection is committed to ensuring the prevention and protection of children from abuse. CAN also seeks to ensure holistic support to survivors as well as an effective law enforcement system to ensure Prosecution of perpetrators.
By
Mercy C. Adjabeng
WiLDAF Ghana