DSVA EMBARKS ON SGBV ADVOCACY TO LAGOS WARDS

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has commenced its SGBV advocacy to all wards in Lagos State from the 14th of June, 2023.

Speaking at the kick-off event held in Coker-Aguda LCDA, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi averred that reaching the communities for collaborative efforts in the fight against all forms of abuses and violence remains crucial and cannot be undermined.

Vivour-Adeniyi, who disclosed this through the Head of the Community Engagement Department, Damilare Adewusi, said the Agency is ensuring that the State Government’s resolve to rid the State of the SGBV menace remains unwavering.

She informed participants of the various support services the State Government provides freely for the Lagosians, ranging from medical, legal services, empowerment, psycho-social support and law enforcement, as well as other partner agencies whose services can be accessed free at the Agency.

Also at the programme, Kafayat Salami, the Community Engagement Officer of the DSVA, engaged members of the community on issues bordering on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), focusing on domestic violence and its forms, child neglect, consent, rape on defilement.

She informed the community members of the ward which comprises five Local Community Development Associations (CDA), including Akangba CDA, Eguru CDA, Tanimeda CDA, Matufu Animasaun CDA, Aiyetoro CDA in Coker-Aguda LCDA, to join the State government in the fight against SGBV by exposing perpetrators, bringing them to justice and creating a safe society for all.

She pointed out the need to call the official toll-free line: 08000333333 to report any form of abuse occurring in their domain, stressing that prompt reporting is important to evidence gathering.

One of the Community leaders, Mr. Kolawole Shode expressed his profound gratitude to the Agency and the Lagos State Government for the initiative, suggesting that the Initiative should be branded in such a way that all members of the communities can participate.