The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has continued its SGBV awareness through its campus activation campaign for tertiary institutions at the Lagos State University for Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) Ikorodu, Lagos on Wednesday 20th of September, 2023.
The Executive Secretary DSVA, Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi disclosed that the theme for the conference; “Issues Surrounding SGBV on Campus” depicted the need for the activation and had become critical to engage Students on SGBV, Abuse and its hydra heads, as reported cases had continually increased hence the need for heightened awareness on SGBV across all strata.
Vivour Adeniyi re-affirmed the Agency’s pledge to its Zero-Tolerance stance against all acts of abuse and SGBV on campuses and in the State.
Executive Secretary made valid points about how sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and sex for grades are common negative occurrences in tertiary institutions, and how students and staffs of the institution should not hesitate to report cases via the agency’s toll-free line; 0-8000 333-333 to report both suspected and confirmed cases.
She also drew the attention of the audience to the possible penalties for perpetrators of SGBV, according to the laws in Lagos State.
The Vice Chancellor LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya Omotola, welcomed the entire DSVA team and commended the team’s effort in ensuring that the SGBV awareness program was brought to the institution.
In his delivery, Prof. Omotola made reference to how the institution has been responsive and sensitive to issues surrounding SGBV in LASUSTECH.
He however, condemned any perceived act of sexual and gender-related activities that may likely occur within the university community and urged all students to maintain reputable disposition at all times and embrace good morals as worthy Ambassadors of the University.
Mr. Damilare Adewusi, Head, Community Engagement Department of Lagos DSVA delivered a lecture on “Building Support Systems for Survivors of SGBV on Campus”.
Adewusi highlighted various support mechanisms essential for survivors of SGBV on campus such as psychosocial support, medical support, legal support and reporting tools available for people’s use. He also stressed the need for timely report of suspected or perceived cases of SGBV to the appropriate authorities and how best to preserve evidence that would help speed up the investigation process.
Another highlight of the event was a panelist’s session which involved student representatives, academic staff, and DSVA representatives discussing salient issues concerning sexual and gender-based violence on campus.
Students ended with the chant- SGBV? NotinMyLASUSTECH!!!
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos DSVA
21/9/2023
