… Unveils Plans towards SGB
The Lagos State Government through it’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency DSVA has reaffirmed its commitment towards combating sexual and gender-based violence to the barest minimum, noting that the administration of Governor Babjide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has continued to heighten awareness about SGBV issues, seek justice for victims as well as support services for survivors.
This was disclosed today by the Solicitor-General& Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi at a Media Parley to herald activities lined up to commemorate the Y2023 Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
She noted that theme for this year’s commemoration was SGBV “Not in my Lagos” is based on the compelling need for the government to ensure residents familiarize with the zero tolerance stance of the State Government for Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) with the aim of guaranteeing it does not thrive in Lagos and lasting solutions are proffered to tackle this menace.
While highlighting the interventions of the Domestic and Sexual Based Violence Agency towards protecting the rights of survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence, ultimately, reducing the menace to the barest minimum in Lagos State, the Executive Secretary revealed that over 5,624 cases have been handled from August 2022 till date, stressing that these cases range from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Rape, Child abuse, Physical Assault, among other vices.
According to her, these concerted efforts by the present administration towards strengthening the Agency in contending Domestic and Sexual Gender-Based Violence is in line with the Strategic Development Pillars of the THEMES PLUS which extends through, Education, Health, Security and Governance for residents of the State. “With the introduction of the THEMES PLUS, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has placed extra focus on gender equality and social inclusion, DSVA has been propelled to further provide holistic and essential services geared at response and prevention” She said
The Executive Secretary pointed out that the State government had provided immediate and quick response to SGBV cases, free legal representations to these survivors, adequate medical services, counselling, shelter, empowerment, among other relief for these survivors.
Towards the commemoration of this year’s awareness month, she also explained that the various programmes include; Turn Alausa Purple/ Advocacy Walk which has been scheduled for 4th of September 2023 at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
She urged public servants to wear a touch of purple in solidarity with this cause.In her words, “Other programmes are the Market Fiesta (Men wey Sabi), a symposium tagged “From Trauma to Triumph”, an advocacy walk, Intergenerational Conversations, which involves participants of the various generations such as the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Generation Z”.
“The awareness month will include Safeguarding and child protection day, a timeout for the children and the Governor’s Commendation/Awards night set to recognize the invaluable contributions of various institutions and individuals who have distinguished themselves in supporting the government to fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence”, She added.
The Agency Head called on all stakeholders to support the government’s interventions in achieving the mandate of tackling the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, stressing that SGBV will not be condoned in the State.
She concluded that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is now better positioned to serve survivors better. Under one roof, survivors are able to access FREE medical, legal, psycho social support, ADR/ Family Life engineering services, empowerment and criminal investigation of cases.
This reduces the need to go to multiple offices, thereby preventing re- traumatisation of survivors on their quest to access services and justice and urged Lagosians to break the culture of silence by reporting cases through the Toll free line 0-8000-333-333 accessible 24/7.
Joke Ladenegan Oginni
Lagos DSVA
31/8/2023.
