Declaration of the DV Coalition on the death of Lilian Dejoe

General news for Thursday, March 11, 2021

Source: GNA

03/11/2021

The National Coalition on Domestic Violence Law in Ghana (DV Coalition) on Wednesday issued a press release on the death of Lilian Dedjoe, who was allegedly assaulted by her husband, resulting in her death.

The deceased was reportedly beaten by Prince Charles Dedjoe, her husband and a businessman, following an argument between the two.

The DV Coalition therefore asked the Ghana Police Service and the National Coordinator of the Victims and Domestic Violence Support Unit (DOVVSU) to thoroughly investigate this case, as there appeared to be evidence. a history of domestic violence in the couple’s relationship. .

This, he said, was evident from the photos of the deceased which had been posted on social media.

According to the statement, the Coalition’s attention was drawn to the incident through social media reports and reports on March 6, 2021, explaining that the deceased was injured in the assault and was subsequently reported to Madina Polyclinic for treatment, but her condition had deteriorated. resulting in a coma, and was later pronounced dead on arrival at Lister Hospital where she was being transferred for further treatment.

The Coalition, however, applauded East Legon police for the speedy arrest and remand of the alleged perpetrator, after admitting to assaulting his wife with her slippers on.

He said, however, that the Coalition was concerned that because the alleged perpetrator appeared to be a popular and wealthy businessman, there were reports of attempts to help him escape justice.

“It is the Coalition’s hope that this is not the case; however, as there are many other known stories of manipulation by family and community members to help perpetrators of gender-based violence escape the criminal justice system, the Coalition cannot take this issue for granted, ”he said. she declared.

He urged the police to be aware of the dynamics of domestic violence and the possible history of such violence in this case, saying everything must be done to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution when the evidence obtained justifies such offense.

He further called on the Prosecution Department of the Attorney General’s Office to provide the police with legal assistance and advice on the registry, and said the DV Coalition would monitor the progress of the case to ensure that justice was served as provided for in the Domestic Violence Act 2007 (Act 732) and the Criminal Offenses Act 1960 (Act 29).

The DV Coalition also urged the public to understand that domestic violence was one of the leading causes of homicides among women around the world and in Ghana, and it was important for victims and members of the public to report these. incidents to the police or to a competent body for intervention.

He said members of the public can call the following hotlines for assistance: 0243777773 The Ark Foundation Ghana and 0551000900 for DOVVSU.