The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has extended its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) advocacy to the Badagry West Local Government Development Area (LCDA) of the State.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, in her remarks at the Seminar, emphasised the need for mandated reporting and partnership at all strata of society, reiterating that kicking out the menace of SGBV in the State is a collective responsibility.
The Executive Secretary, represented by the Community Engagement Officer in the Agency, Adetoun Odunmbo, told the residents of the community that all forms of abuse, domestic and sexual violence are crimes against the State and is punishable by law.
She lamented that the reports being received by the Lagos DSVA of such crimes have been on a steady increase and called for the collaborative efforts of all to nip the menace in the bud.
She urged the residents to break the culture of silence by calling the Toll-Free Line 0800-333-333 to report cases without delay.
The representatives of the Agency, Ms. Adetoun Odumbo and Mr. Tobiloba Ikudaisi later sensitised the residents on SGBV and the free support services available at the DSVA for them to access regarding issues of SGBV.
Also speaking at the event the Chairman, Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph appreciated the Lagos State Government for bringing the sensitization programme to his jurisdiction.
He assured that the people of his constituency would cascade whatever they learn from the programme to other residents of their different communities, noting that the programme was designed to protect and ensure the safety of residents and an enabling environment for peace.