Queen Mother calls for harsher penalties to curb domestic violence

The Queen Mother of the Nakolo Traditional Area in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, Kape Asalwe Alugivala Rebecca Atulana I, has called for stronger sanctions against perpetrators of domestic violence to deter abuse and promote safer families and communities.

She has urged traditional leaders to collaborate in developing and enforcing appropriate by-laws to help address what she described as the growing prevalence of domestic violence in communities.

Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, August 29, Kape Asalwe Alugivala Rebecca Atulana I called on traditional councils, chiefs and queen mothers to take a leading role in combating domestic violence.

“I want the traditional council, the chiefs and queen mothers to come together and make by-laws that will punish those who involve in domestic violence, in order to minimise how rampant the issue is becoming,” she said.

She also appealed to traditional leaders to intensify public education on the causes and consequences of domestic violence, describing the practice as a serious social problem affecting families and communities.

Kape Atulana I urged chiefs and other community leaders to use gatherings at traditional palaces and other social events as platforms to educate residents about the dangers of domestic violence.

She further called on chiefs, queen mothers and other trusted individuals who serve as confidants to victims to listen to them and handle such cases with the sensitivity they require.

“When they come to confide in us, let us give them our attention and support, and if the case is beyond us, let us do well to report it to the appropriate agencies like the police, social welfare, Child Rights and others,” she said.

On the causes of domestic violence, the Queen Mother identified jealousy and possessiveness, poor communication and conflict-resolution skills, as well as violent behaviours learned from families and society as some contributing factors.

She noted that poor communication could create assumptions and misunderstandings, leaving conflicts unresolved and potentially escalating into anger, threats and violence.

“Poor communication can create assumption. This leads to misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts, which may escalate into anger, threats, and violence within a relationship,” she said.

Kape Atulana I expressed concern that women and children are often among the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence.

She therefore called on couples, siblings and in-laws to prioritise peace, compassion and love in their relationships and to communicate their grievances clearly before they develop into resentment, bitterness and violence.

She stressed that collective efforts by families, traditional authorities and other stakeholders were necessary to prevent domestic violence and promote peaceful coexistence in communities.

Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah

Maseda Spices