Statistics available at Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit (DVVSU) of Ghana Police Service indicates that 708 girls were defiled nationwide in 2008. Mrs Juliana Amponsah of Department of Women, Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs who announced this said 713 rape cases were recorded within the same period. She was addressing a durbar at Yamfo in Tano North District of Brong Ahafo Region to mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday. It was organised by management of Ahafo project of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL). Mrs Amponsah said 3,881 women suffered non-maintenance last year and urged government to help eliminate all forms of violence against women in the country. She said poverty, culture, lack of education, power and control over resources were some causes of domestic violence and called for the formation of community watchdogs to check such violence. Mr Joseph Danso, Community Development Superintendent of NGGL, said the company through its gender mainstreaming programme would continue to empower and encourage women within its operational areas to be part of decision making at all levels. He explained that through the programme women had established a revolving fund to support their businesses. Mr Danso said last month the first batch of beneficiaries of a fund to 10 women with a minimum of GH¢100 each took place and progress report on their activities was encouraging. “Through this programme we have been able to break the myth that mining is an exclusive preserve for men,” he added. Source: GNA