… Received Over 5,624 Domestic, Sexual Cases Since 2022
… Unveils Plans Towards SGBV Awareness Month
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reaffirmed its commitment towards curbing sexual and gender-based violence to the barest minimum across the State, noting that the administration of Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu has continued to give attention to SGBV issues, seek justice for victims as well as provide free services to survivors.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey disclosed this at a Media Briefing organised on Thursday at Bagaulda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa to herald activities lined up to commemorate the Y2023 Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Shitta-Bey, who spoke through the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, noted that the theme of this year’s commemoration: “SGBV? Not in My Lagos!”, is based on the compelling need for the government to ensure residents familiarise themselves with the zero tolerance stance of the State Government for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to guarantee that it does not thrive in Lagos while ensuring that lasting solutions are proffered to tackle the menace.
While highlighting the interventions of the DSVA towards protecting the rights of survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as curbing the menace in Lagos State, the Permanent Secretary revealed that over 5,624 cases have been handled from August 2022 till date, stressing that these cases range from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Rape, Child abuse and Physical Assault, among other vices.
She pointed out that the State government had made available immediate and quick responses to SGBV cases including free legal representations to survivors, adequate medical services, counselling, shelter and empowerment, among other relief for survivors. On the activities lined up to commemorate this year’s awareness month, Shitta-Bey also revealed that they include ‘Turn Alausa Purple’ and Advocacy Walk scheduled for the 4th of September 2023 at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, urging public servants to wear a touch of purple in solidarity with the cause on the Day.
According to her, “Other programmes lined up for the event are the Market Fiesta (Men wey Sabi), a symposium tagged “From Trauma to Triumph” and Intergenerational Conversations, which involves participants selected from different generations such as the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Generation Z”.
“The awareness month will include safeguarding and child protection day, a timeout for the children and the Governor’s Commendation/Awards night set to recognize the invaluable contributions of various institutions and individuals who have distinguished themselves in supporting the government to fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”, she added.
Shitta-Bey, therefore, called on all stakeholders to support the government’s interventions in achieving the mandate of tackling the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, stressing that SGBV will not be condoned in the State.
She asserted that DSVA is now positioned to serve survivors better all under one roof where they can access free medical, legal, psycho-social support, ADR/Family Life engineering services and empowerment among others.