The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has organized a one-day Symposium themed “Trauma to Triumph to spotlight Survivors of Domestic and sexual violence in commemoration of the DSVA awareness month at the Providence Hotel today in Ikeja”
Executive Secretary DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi in her welcome address, disclosed that recent statistics have shown that the vast majority of reported cases of domestic and sexual violence were perpetrated against women by men. She said this was in tandem with global data which indicates that domestic and sexual violence often takes the form of male perpetration and female victimization.
We have specifically selected the theme- Trauma to Triumph as the agency has realized the need for Survivors to be encouraged that there can be life after domestic violence.
“We have selected today as a day to celebrate you all, our SHEROES, for the tenacity and grit you have shown. You have stood against all odds, and you are still standing” Vivour- Adeniyi noted.
“The agenda for this program has been curated to ensure that all survivors present today feel celebrated and are further empowered and emboldened to continue to navigate life unto Triumph even after the Traumatic experience”.
“Again, I would like to remind us all that it’s our collective responsibility to challenge the factors that enable the menace of sexual and gender-based violence to thrive in our society. It’s on all of us to ensure that Domestic & Sexual abuse and all forms of sexual harassment are eradicated in our society. Please be aware of portals available to report cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State such as the DSVA toll-free line- 0 8000 333 333/ 0813-796-0048.
The event which had over 70 Survivors in attendance was compered by Shola Soyele, and it had Mrs. Debola Oni moderating the Session, while Panelists drawn from different spheres and sectors were specifically selected to be a source of encouragement and inspiration to Survivors.
Mrs. Adetutu Oluremi Ososanya FCA. was kind enough to share her transcendent journey to triumph through her personal experience,
Nollywood Actress Kate Henshaw who exemplified unwavering physical and emotional fortitude, the Financial Virtuoso – Tosin Olaseinde illuminated the path to financial prowess, Ms. Ola Philips, highlighted the power of a strong support network. Ms. Titilola Adedeji shared the abundance of opportunities and hope in the realm of business while the phenomenal Dr. Yolanda George-David delved into how best to transcend from Trauma to Triumph.
Highlights of the program included the cutting of a special cake which was delivered to celebrate Survivors by the well-acclaimed SALT of Lagos
Whilst some survivors were treated to a beauty makeover a particular survivor was photographed by the award-winning Yemi Kings Photography.
Interested participants were also able to take advantage of on-the-spot, free clinical psychosocial support and therapy sessions, and free legal advice was also provided by the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP).
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos DSVA
19 /9/2023.
