The Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSSU), Supt Owusuwaa Kyeremeh has stressed the importance of medical reports in the conviction of rape and defilement cases.

Discussing the topic: ‘Rape and Defilement: Why victims should not pay for medical examination fee’ on JoyNews’ Covid & The Law Sunday, Supt Kyeremeh explained that the medical report of rape victims is a fundamental document which serves to prove the veracity of the unlawful act.

Therefore, its omission instantly curtails the prosecution of the case and prevents perpetrators from being dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Here is the case we have survivors who are unable to pursue justice because the person cannot afford medical fees. There are times that we the police, foot the bill in order to proceed with the case.

“Because you need medical report when prosecuting to get the medical report to establish whether something actually took place. And we know that getting proof of rape is difficult even in developed countries. And so when you have an additional ‘unnecessary’ hindrances it just aggravates the situation and makes it very difficult for conviction,” she said.

The Director further cited that some guardians and parents are compelled to settle for financial compensation as pursuing a legal course is usually beyond their means.

“I have had an instance when I was the Regional Coordinator for Greater Accra where a mother of a victim went to collect ₵200.00 from the perpetrator. And the victim’s womb was damaged so the womb had to be removed all together.

“So when I asked her why she did that, she said she is a petty trader and she needed just ₵50 capital to start a business,” she narrated.

In view of that, she was optimistic that enforcing the law on free rape tests and medical treatment for the victims would ensure that hospitals or clinics are able to provide the police with the medical report needed for prosecution, and at the same time ensure that the rape victims receive adequate treatment.

Meanwhile, legal practitioner Cynthia Nimo on the same show revealed that the law clearly states that victims must not be charged for such services.

According to her, the state must absorb the cost of medical bills for rape victims in the country because victims of such acts are often in a vulnerable state and do not have the means to cater for the fees charged.