The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency took SGBV advocacy to Igbogbo Local Council Development Area on November 9, 2023, during the Community Development Committee monthly
meeting held at the Customary Court Igbogbo.
The agency’s new campaign slogan against SGBV “NOT IN MY LAGOS!!!”,
According to Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA portrays the State government steadfastness in its zero-tolerance policy against sexual and gender-based violence and has continued to put these issues on the front burner.
She told the audience that the State through the DSVA remains committed to seeing that justice is served.
Speaking through the Head, Community Engagement, Damilare Adewusi, Informed the audience that the Agency is operating under it’s statutory mandate and in accordance with the THEMES PLUS agenda of the State government, and gave assurance of the holistic services proffered by the Agency when cases are reported and kept strictly confidential.
Futhermore, Adewusi emphasized the importance of timely report of cases as this will assist the investigation process that would also enable abusers and perpetrators of all forms of Violence, physical, emotional, or sexual would be held accountable by the State.
He made a distinction between the various sexual related Offences including rape and defilement whilst noting that both Offences attract the same punishment – life imprisonment. He also used the opportunity to enlighten residents on the fact that a child lacks the capacity to give consent to sexual activity and as such consent does not apply when addressing defilement or other unlawful sexual activity involving children.
He urged participants to report any abuse by calling the Agency’s toll-free hotline, 08000333333 and avail themselves with the support services that are accessible in the Agency such as empowerment, legal assistance, medical assistance, counseling, rescue, and shelter.
Mr. Abayomi Adelakun, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee commended the Lagos State Government for engaging the community with the laudable program and called on residents to collaborate with the State in eradicating the SGBV scourge from the society.
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos DSVA
9/11/2023
