Potential opportunities and challenging realities: Organizations' experiences while accessing resources and advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic violence in Ghana

Using focus group discussion with participants from 4 NGOs in Ghana that focus on anti-domestic violence advocacy and survivor and victims support work, this research takes a closer look at the experiences organizations have while accessing government supported available institutional resources. Findings suggest that while legislation has indeed created the space for women's rights in Ghana, the pathways towards justice in both the north and the south are thwarted by an underfunded and poorly managed bureaucracy, complicated by an overall patriarchal attitude. There is thus a need to increase gender sensitivity training among all ranks and sections of government institutions and bureaucracy. Research findings also suggest a need for increased funding and the establishment of a well-organized network between survivors, organizations and various government departments and legal aid to create efficient networks that facilitate faster reporting, communication, and delivery of justice. More importantly, research participant directed policy recommendations suggest a renewed attempt to strengthening existing laws, the creation of an easily accessible survivor support fund that involves less bureaucratic navigation and a goal towards building self-efficacy and skills, and an institutional process that involves survivors in policy planning and implementation.