Support Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Ghana: A Call to Action During the 16 Days of Activism on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women

Accra, November 25th 2024: 
As the global community commemorates 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25th to December 10th, on the theme, “Towards Beijing +30: UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls” we wish to highlight and draw attention to the critical importance of addressing the mental, psychological, and emotional health needs of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Ghana. 
This call is made collaboratively by four Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); Developing Women for Skills and Opportunities Initiative (DWOSO), Center for Public Health Development Initiative (CePHDI), Advocate for Youth and Office of the National Chief Imam. This initiative is supported by German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) project implemented by GIZ, which aims to strengthen competencies of CSOs including women and youth organizations, in providing support to survivors of SGBV and persons affected by multiple forms of discrimination.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue in Ghana, with survivors often facing long-lasting trauma and limited access to tailored support services. The Ghana Statistical Service(GSS, 2022) reported that 35.2% of women surveyed had experienced emotional violence at least once, with 22.7% having experienced physical violence and 11.2% having experienced sexual violence at least once. 
Survivors of SGBV often carry the trauma of their experiences long after physical wounds heal. In Ghana, like elsewhere, the psychological toll of SGBV on survivors is profound, affecting their mental well-being, social relationships, and ability to fully engage in society. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of health; it is a fundamental human right. As concerned CSOs, we call for urgent actions to end all forms of gender-based violence, discrimination, and abuse and that the needed support be provided to the survivors to enable them to reclaim their lives, build resilience, and foster hope and healing within their communities.
Our Call to Action
We urgently call on government bodies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and the community at large to recognize the mental, psychological, and emotional health of SGBV survivors as a top priority. Key actions recommended include:
1.Access to Shelters and Safe Homes: Provide survivors with secure and safe temporary shelters and safe homes to access urgent and necessary support services during domestic and other violent situations.
2.Access to Mental Health Services: Provide survivors with accessible, trauma-informed mental health care services to support their healing journey.
3.Community Support Networks: Establish community-based support networks where survivors can safely share their experiences, reducing stigma and creating inclusive spaces for healing.
4.Training of Healthcare Providers: Equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to offer empathetic, non-judgmental support to SGBV survivors, ensuring they receive compassionate care.
5.Strengthening Policy Frameworks: Develop and implement policies that ensure survivor-centered, trauma-informed services in both urban and rural areas, making mental health support accessible and affordable.
6.Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness on the mental health impacts of SGBV through public education, fostering an understanding society that supports rather than stigmatizes survivors.
Conclusion
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism, let us stand together to support the holistic recovery of SGBV survivors in Ghana. We call on everyone to be an advocate for mental health, to end stigma, and to create an environment where survivors feel empowered to seek and receive the support they need.

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