Sexual Violence
A dark and unnerving secret lurks in the heart of buzzing Accra. The lively streets pulse with life and the echoes of tradition blend with the rhythms of progress. Under the surface of this bustling city, buried in the shadowy nooks of its neighborhoods, lurks a threat that has long tormented the lives of countless people, inflicting scars that transcend time and memory.
Ghana, a nation celebrated for its rich culture, history, and the warmth of its people, finds itself entangled in a disturbing narrative—a narrative of sexual violence crimes that refuse to remain hidden. This narrative illustrates how disadvantageous circumstances arise no matter where you are—in the city or in the rural areas. It is a story of silent screams and stifled sobs. It is a story of survivors carrying the weight of their unspeakable experiences. And a society awakening to the grim realization that these horrors must be exposed and eradicated.
Sexual and gender-based violence refers to any act perpetrated against a person’s will based on gender norms and unequal power relationships. It includes physical, emotional, psychological and sexual violence and denial of resources or access to services.
As the sun sets over the sprawling neighborhoods, we delve into the lives of those who have borne the unbearable and who have suffered in silence for far too long. Once concealed by fear and stigma, their stories now demand to be told. This piece explores the harrowing realities of sexual violence crimes in Ghana. It also sheds light on the darkest corners of society, and the individuals and organizations striving to bring about change, justice, and healing.
A study by Quarshie (2021) focusing on sexual violence victimization and associated factors among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana found that; 17.6 % of adolescents (males = 10.4 %; females = 24.3 %) reported sexual violence victimization during the previous 12 months. A recent review of evidence from UNICEF (2020) estimates that 1 in every 20 girls aged 15 to 19 (around 15 million) will have experienced forced sex at some point in their lifetime. Today, one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence, suffering the stigma while offenders commit these acts with impunity. In Ghana, approximately 94% of children between the ages of one and fourteen are said to have experienced one form of gender-based violence (MoGCSP 2018). Over 48% of Ghanaian women and girls have been sexually abused.
In the aftermath of a sexual assault or rape, survivors can face challenging and painful emotions and experiences. The effects of sexual violence can be psychological, emotional, and physical, and every survivor responds differently to the trauma. In addition, sexual violence is associated with poor physical and mental health. It is also associated with higher risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, restricted livelihood options and choices, lower human capital and lower productivity (Garcia-Moreno et al. 2005; Moosa 2012).
For sexual assault victims in Ghana, justice is expensive — and elusive. Many people who experience sexual assault from Ghana’s poorest communities cannot afford the about $85 medical exam required to file a police report.
In conclusion, the abhorrent prevalence of violent sexual crimes demands our unwavering commitment to combat this epidemic. With an unwavering passion and a resolute belief in the power of the Internet and technology, we can harness their capabilities to collect accurate data. We can also get real-time data, facilitate prompt investigations, and seek justice for survivors. Additionally, we must not forget the vital importance of subsidising the costs of medical check-ups for survivors. This will ensure that their well-being is prioritized above all else. Together, we can and must transform the landscape of sexual crime prevention and support. Let our collective commitment to this cause be a resounding message. In the digital age, technology is our ally, and justice our mission; no survivor will be left unheard, and no perpetrator will go unpunished.
