Abstract:
Domestic Violence (DV) is a precarious social problem found across all strata of society
worldwide. A major effort to curb this menace was the criminalisation of domestic
violence and the involvement of police in handling DV cases. Previous studies focused on
the rates of DV reports to police and police role in victims’ access to justice, with little
consideration for the effectiveness of police interventions in meeting victims’ needs. This
study was, therefore, designed to examine the ways in which police intervention strategies
in domestic violence met the needs of female victims in Southern Ghana and Lagos State.
Feminist Theory, complemented with deterrence and empowerment theories, served as
framework; while exploratory research design was used. A total of 10 DV police units in
Ghana and Nigeria were purposively selected as case studies due to the enormous cases
they handled. In Southern Ghana, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Units in
Accra-Central, Cape Coast, Sekondi, Nsawam and Takoradi Police Stations were selected.
The Family Support Units in Isokoko, Ilupeju, Ikeja and Ketu Police Stations, and Gender
Office were selected in Lagos State. In-depth interviews were conducted with victims (60
in Ghana and 60 in Lagos), and police officers (15 in Ghana and 15 in Lagos), while key
informant interviews were conducted with social workers (two in Ghana and two in
Lagos). Non-participant observation was also undertaken in the Police Stations and law
courts in the countries. Secondary data garnered are textual materials. Data were
thematically analysed.
The intervention strategies adopted by the police in handling DV in Southern Ghana and
Lagos included sensitisation, arrest, prosecution and mediation. Interventions in the two
countries followed a similar procedure of investigation, and gave less priority to
counselling. The interventions were mostly effective in stopping the initial abuse reported,
but exposed victims to psychological and economic abuse. Ghana Police focused on
prosecution, which proved effective in deterring offenders, while Nigeria Police focused
on reconciliation, which preserved family relationship but aggravated revictimisation.
Ghana Police employed ‘invisible’ arrest, while Nigeria Police utilised civilians in
mediation of DV cases. Religious beliefs in forgiveness and God’s sovereignty were cited
as major reasons for victims’ rejection of prosecution in both countries. Victims’ needs
included psychosocial support, shelter, justice, medical aid, security and financial
empowerment. Psychosocial support was least met in Ghana, while in Nigeria justice was
least met. Corruption in the two police institutions impeded victims’ access to justice and
impoverished them. Masculinisation of the police, which was more prominent in Ghana,
manifested in their attitude and operations. Interventions in both countries were
characterised by hostility, blaming of victims, impatience, and use of force causing
secondary victimisation. Policewomen were more aggressive, hostile and less successful
in handling cases than policemen in both countries.
Police intervention strategies were ineffective in meeting most of victims’ needs, which
created a cycle of violence and hopelessness for victims in Southern Ghana and Lagos.
Government should restructure Domestic Violence units to include psychologists and
social workers to provide a comprehensive approach in handling this problem.
