... Vows To Heighten Fight Against SGBV Menace
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Lagos Police Command, held a joint Advocacy Walk in Ikorodu as part of activities commemorating the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, tagged: “STOP SGBV”.
The Walk, which had over 108 Police Personnel drawn from across all the Divisions and officers of Family Support Units, is a demonstration of the synergy and partnership that exists between the State Government and the Nigerian Police, especially as it pertains to responding to incidents of domestic and sexual violence in the State.
In her address, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that a recent analysis of cases reported revealed that the Police typically serve as first responders and their capacity to respond ultimately encourages or discourages victims and survivors from actively pursuing justice.
She stressed the compelling need to embark on proactive engagements with the police and urged residents to promptly report cases when such incidences occur by breaking the culture of silence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Admin, DCP Bawa Saidu reaffirmed the commitment of the Police towards improving reporting and response mechanisms as well as restoring trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies which is critical to ensure justice.
The Joint Advocacy walk also had in attendance the Area Commander, Khan Salihu Usman; Divisional Police Officers and other stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (Ikorodu Branch), FIDA, Child Protection Network, State Education Board, Primary and Secondary Schools from the Education District II, Ikorodu General Hospital and World Health Organization among others.
One of the participants, Mr. Sulaimon Agbeni a resident of Ikorodu appreciated the State Government for the event and called on other residents of Ikorodu to join in the war against SGBV as the issue has become rampant and there is a need for it to be eradicated from society.