Connect to support centres and get the information and tools you need to respond to or escape gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to the violence inflicted on a person (adult or child) due to stereotypes and roles attributed to or expected of them according to their gender identity.
Children are particularly vulnerable as they are dependent on others for their development and wellbeing. Gender dynamics add another layer of vulnerability: violence against women is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world with no national, social/class, colour, wealth or educational boundary.
Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and economic capacity of its victims.
You are NOT ALONE - there are numerous gender advocates, including the Pearl Safe Haven, here to support you.
GBV takes place in various forms and disproportionately affects girls and women. In essence, GBV is any repeated behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.
If you are experiencing any of these forms of abuse or threats of abuse, please GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.
Acts and threats of violence are wrong and may even be illegal. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
The Pearl Safe Haven provides a non-judgemental and confidential platform to enable you to make the decisions that are right for you.
Assistance will be available in various forms including qualified, experienced allied health and legal practitioners from counsellors and psychologists to medical doctors and lawyers.
The Pearl Safe Haven provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for women facing sexual and domestic violence. We welcome all women regardless of financial situation, religion or nationality.
We provide medical, psychological and legal support, and life-skills and vocational training to help you establish a successful and rewarding independent pathway in the community.
We work closely with Ghana Police Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Department Social Welfare to provide support. If you need shelter please contact us or your nearest DOVVSU (if based in Ghana) or your nearest police station (if based outside).
Sometimes we become aware of a friend, colleague or family or community member that is experiencing sexual or domestic violence. This can be hard and you may not feel you have the training and the resources to help in a sustained way.
That's understandable. We're here to help you and your friend. Please reach out to us.
Or download our app:
The Pearl Safe Haven is continuously raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence and advocating for women facing violence.
We can all help to change social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that justify and perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence and prevent women seeking help. If you have a story to share - please share it here. Your story may be the very thing that helps someone else!
Yes - there are multiple national and international laws that protect you.
Here are some of the key ones! Know your rights so you can make an informed decision:
- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
- The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993)
- Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5 – Gender Equality & Empowerment)
- The 1992 Constitution of Ghana, The Ghana Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732)
- The Ghana Domestic Violence Regulations, 2016 (LI 2237)
- The Ghana Criminal Procedure Code, 1960 (Act 30).
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