Dr Erica Dickson, a Clinical Psychologist at the 37 Military Hospital has called on Church authorities to ensure that victims of domestic violence had psychological counseling in addition to guidance by the church.

She said authorities in the church must send victims to psychologists for proper counseling, because some church counselors could not work effectively and efficiently.

Dr Dickson made the call at a public lecture on "Silent Sufferers of Emotional Trauma in the Family Setting" organized by Abigail Foundation, a non-governmental organization that renders services to people in trauma at Tema.

She said even though authorities in the church undertake counseling of victims, psychologists took their clients through series of steps that would assist them to overcome their trauma.

"Counseling is not about taking decisions for victims, but rather leading them to take positive actions," she added.

Dr Dickson noted that victims of domestic violence lived with the trauma of their abuse, when they failed to undertake proper counseling from the different types of domestic violence, physical, emotional, economic and sexual abuse.

She said absenteeism due to lost of job, isolation from social activities; difficulties in building interpersonal relationships, poor academic performance, were some of the social effects of domestic violence on victims.

The Clinical Psychologist said psychological effects on victims were depression, post-traumatized stress disorders, fear and development of low self-esteem.

According to Dr Dickson morbid jealousy, mental illness, financial problems, inequalities in society and alcoholism as well as drug abuse were some of the factors that facilitated domestic violence.

She advised the public not only ensured safety of victims, but be sensitive in discussing their emotions and providing information on where to seek assistance when victims confided in them.

Mrs Rose Karikari Annan, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Employers' Association, said people suffered in silence at home due to ignorance of what to do when victimized.

She expressed appreciation to the foundation for the initiative to address domestic violence and trauma at home.

Source: GNA