The Director of Legal Assistance Network-Ghana, Irene Aborchie-Nyahe, has advised teens to speak out when experiencing any form of abuse or violence.

According to her, violence or abuse normally started gradually and that young adults should not be intimidated by threats of perpetrators but rather report the challenge to trusted persons.

Speaking at the “Discovery Teens Chat” programme on the topic: “Child Abuse and Violence, Identifying and Preventing Violence and abuse,” Madam Aborchie-Nyahe said perpetrators could be family members, friends, teachers, community or church members.

“When you say it you will not die, you will live to save yourself and the nation,” she said.

Madam Aborchie-Nyahe advised the teenagers to be careful of friends they made on social media platforms as well as pictures and videos they shared.

According to her, the Domestic Violence Act, Cyber Security Act, Human Trafficking Act and the Children’s Act provided punishment for people who share naked pictures on social media platforms adding that one could serve a prison term from one year to 15 years depending on the offense.

The Assistant Director, Legal Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madam Deborah Aikins, asked teenagers to value their uniqueness and not allow peer pressure to drive them or weigh them down, instead, remain focused on their goals in life.

She advised parents to take a keen interest in the development of their children to give them the needed guidance to save them from negative situations or influences.

Medical Doctor, Ridge Hospital, Accra, Dr Gifty Clara Lamptey, who was also present at the occassion said the adolescent stage was between childhood and adulthood, which came with its challenges, adding that changes experienced by teens were normal and needed good management.

Dr Grace Buckman, Medical Director, Sonotec Medical and Diagnostic Centre, asked the teens to make education their highest priority and not allow anything to change their focus.

The General Practitioner, Medifem Hospital, Dr Sampson Asala, urged the youth to develop the confidence and sense of purpose to overcome all forms of peer pressure.

The Medical Doctor, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Reverend Dr Ernest Anim-Opare, also added that temptation to enter into relationships with persons of the opposite sex for want of acceptance and love should be avoided.

“You are not ready for a relationship, you can have friends with whom you can grow together but don’t quickly create specific attachments and commitments to specific persons,” he said.