DOVVSU TO SUPPORT RAPE VICTIM (PAGE 53)

THE Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has decided to place its clinical psychologists at the disposal of the 19-year-old woman who was raped at Asafo in Kumasi to help her come out of her trauma.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr George Appiah-Sakyi, the Ashanti Regional Commander of DVVSU, told the Daily Graphic that the entire DVVSU had only two clinical psychologists all based in Accra, but one of them would be invited to Kumasi to help the woman get out of her psychological difficulties.
The woman, who was on her way to Accra, was forcibly dragged into a taxi by a 30-year-old gym instructor, Eric Bawuah, to a drinking spot and in the full glare of some young men, raped her.
Last Wednesday, the Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Adjei Frimpong sentenced the muscled Bawuah to 30 years imprisonment for rape and robbery.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi said his outfit had extended an invitation to the victim and was waiting for a response from her to enable the counselling process to begin.
“When she comes, we shall put the option before her and if she agrees, to it we shall go ahead to offer her the necessary guidance and counselling,” he said.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi explained that in situations like what the lady went through, there was the likelihood that she would experience a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occur or is threatened.
Traumatic events that may trigger this situation include sexual and other violent personal assaults.
Medical experts said people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled.
As Bawuah stood in the dock last Wednesday, the victim, a slim and fair-coloured lady, stared at him perhaps picturing the ordeal she went through at his hands.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi stated that his outfit was determined to go to the aid of rape victims who needed help to come out of their traumatic experiences.