DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Distinguished guest, Fellow students, Ladies and gentlemen. My story for you this evening is about domestic violence, which I have summarized as,
A pattern of abusive behaviors such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, stalking, economic deprivation and neglect by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful faces I see here today, expresses a symphony of brotherhood and freedom, of a world devoid of gender discrimination. Sadly enough, the lives of a number of women today, is crippled by the manacles of discrimination and the chains of violence.

The crying of these muted voices cannot be left unattended to. These lamentations, echoes the sufferings of thousands of voiceless women and children in Ghana. It is time to say no more to domestic violence. We, the oppressed, behind closed doors cannot allow our hearts to be filled with pain, whiles our hearts beats, and eats our very souls.

There is a Mexican proverb which says “The house does not rest on the ground, but upon a woman.” Why then abuse the woman, upon whom the house rest.

As Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States said “Everyone has a right to peaceful coexistence, the basic personal freedoms, the alleviation of suffering, and the opportunity to lead a productive life.”

Now, we have seen the light. And have begun a brand new flight. Let us muscle voices to save the little dying cries of voiceless victims of domestic violence. Let us embark on public education, which fosters awareness and social change through women's organizations such as DOVSU and WAJU. Join me advocate for legislation to help battered women and children, as well as educating the police and the judiciary about domestic violence.

Fellow ladies and gentlemen, the laws of justice enlist us as soldiers against domestic violence, a canker eating the very fabric of our social existence. If you agree with me, I call on you; my fellow soldiers gathered here this evening, to add your voice to mine and Say after me “NO MORE ǃǃǃǃǃ” Thank You.