Dear Mirror Lawyer, l have been married to my husband for about 15 years. The early years of our marriage were very rosy.
However, things changed when my husband began to drink heavily. At first, he would yell at me during disagreements, but over time, his anger turned physical.
On several occasions, he slapped me during arguments, leaving visible bruises on my fair skin.
One evening, he came home drunk and accused me—without any justification—of mismanaging the household finances.
In a fit of rage, he pushed me against the wall and hit me repeatedly, causing me to bleed from my forehead. Terrified for my life, I fled to my neighbour’s house, where she urged me to report the matter to the police.
I need help, Mirror Lawyer. I cannot go back to the house anymore. Please advise me.
Ekua Mansa, Accra.
Dear Ekua,
Our laws strictly prohibit assault and violence within a domestic setting. Under the Ghana Domestic Violence Act, any conduct that threatens or causes physical harm, forcibly confines or detains a person, deprives a person of basic needs, or subjects them to cruel or degrading treatment is considered domestic violence.
This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, economic deprivation, destruction of property, and any behaviour that causes emotional harm or fear.
Your case falls clearly under physical abuse, which violates your rights to safety and dignity. The Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), requires the police to investigate domestic violence allegations promptly and protect victims.
You can pursue criminal charges against your husband, and if convicted, he may face imprisonment. For instance, in Mensah v The Republic SCGLR 748, the court upheld the conviction of a husband for assaulting his wife, affirming that domestic violence is a criminal offence in Ghana.
Additionally, you can apply for a protection order under section 12 of the Act. Such an order legally prevents your husband from committing further violence against you or from coming near you.
You should also seek support from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, which offers counselling, shelter, and legal assistance.
Your courage to report this abuse not only safeguards your well-being but also sets an inspiring example for other victims.
The law stands with you for protection and justice.
