A teenager has reported his family to the Bono Regional Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for not providing him with enough food and pocket money.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Beatrice Korsah, the Bono Regional Coordinator of the DOVVSU, disclosed this to the media in Sunyani, saying, “we invited his parents and we have since resolved the matter amicably”.

DSP Korsah said: “The boy came to the unit in uniform”, explaining that “his situation highlights the plight of many children who are suffering in their homes in silence”, and commended the teenager for his bold decision in fighting for his fundamental human rights.

She said: “His decision to report his parents led to a positive outcome and his example demonstrates DOVVSU’s commitment to supporting victims of abuse and providing a safe space for them to report their cases”.

DSP Korsah noted some men were also experiencing domestic violence in their homes; however, they were unable to report because of societal stigmatisation.

She advised the public to trust and maintain their confidence and report domestic violence and other human rights abuses to the DOVVSU, saying everybody, regardless of age or gender, could report cases to the unit.

DSP Korsah said: “Every abuse case must be reported to DOVVSU personnel who are well trained and capable of handling them professionally”, saying “DOVVSU unite and not disintegrate families”.

She said: “The DOVVSU is a safe space for everyone, including children, male, and females, hence the need for everybody to feel comfortable reporting cases of violence,” she said.