Communities must move from awareness to action to end domestic violence - Trailblazers Ghana Founder

Lynn Osei-Bonsu, Founder of Trailblazers Ghana, called for stronger collaboration to effectively combat domestic violence in Ghana. Madam Osei-Bonsu delivered a keynote address at a stakeholder dialogue on domestic violence response and collaboration in Accra, emphasizing that addressing domestic violence requires coordinated action beyond awareness campaigns. The dialogue was held under the theme "From Awareness to Action: Building a Safe Community."

Madam Osei-Bonsu described domestic violence as a persistent and often hidden challenge affecting individuals across all social backgrounds. She stated, "Domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive yet often hidden challenges facing our society. It cuts across age, class, religion, and status." She also said, "Behind closed doors, many endure physical harm, emotional trauma, psychological abuse, and economic deprivation. But beyond the statistics are real people - women, men, and children - whose voices are often silenced by fear, stigma, or lack of support." Madam Osei-Bonsu declared, "Silence must be broken. Systems must respond. Communities must act." She explained that informed and empowered communities can become agents of change.

Madam Osei-Bonsu stated that no single institution could effectively tackle domestic violence alone. She urged stakeholders to prioritise practical support systems for victims rather than limiting efforts to awareness campaigns. She stated, "While doing this, we must move beyond awareness to actionable support where victims have safe spaces, access to counselling, legal protection, and economic empowerment." She also emphasized the importance of reassuring survivors that they are not alone, adding, "But above all, they need to know; they are not alone. They are not to blame. And they can rebuild."