The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has at the International Men’s Day program held today at the Adeyemi Bero, called on the male folks to speak up when they experience any form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated this as the agency commemorates the year 2023 International Men’s Day; with the Theme: “Zero Male Suicide”.She said the agency has curated an initiative tagged “Break the silence, Don’t take your life, Seek help” to discuss various issues that cause depression and other forms of abuse against Men.
While informing men of the support services that the State Government had put in place to proactively address the issues of abuse, Vivour-Adeniyi, said the International Men’s Day was another opportunity to create awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, whilst taking into cognizance the fact that men can also be victims and survivors.
During his presentation, Director, Special Projects, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale revealed that
”Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, while just over 2 in 3 suicides on a worldwide basis are men, it is important to bring down the suicide rate for both males and females.
He said suicide could occur at any age and was the fourth highest cause of death among 15-29 year-olds worldwide with over 703,000 individuals committing suicide every year, with many more attempting to do so.
Also, Ajomale said the goal of the program was to improve men’s well-being and mental health.
Ajomale urged men to recognize and manage common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse as health is not just an absence of disease or infirmity but a complete state of physical, mental, and social.
Mr. Yakub Jubril spoke on the evolving roles of men in society and harped on the need for a break from the norm and change of the behavioral mindset at different strata of society. He urged men not to hesitate to seek help when the need arises.
The DSVA Psychology team conducted group therapy for the participants at the event.
One of the participants, Ayo Abayomi extolled the organizers of the event, stressing the event was an urgent response to the plight of many men who are suffering in silence.
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency
19/11/2023
