The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on thursday held its fifth local government town hall meeting at Mushin local Government to sensitize residents on the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State.
The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” is coming on the heels of the State Government’s resolve in heightening awareness about domestic and sexual violence amongst members of the community, inform them of the provisions of the laws and support services available for victims and survivors.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reeled out the statistics in the past year, highlighting the prevalence of SGBV in Mushin Local Government Area and the need for all participants present to join hands with Government in the fight against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
The Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye ably represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Babatunde John Kehinde encouraged residents of Mushin to speak up if they are subjected to violence in their relationships in order to curb the rate of violence in the society.
Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, the Chairman of Child Protection Network, enlightened the audience on the various forms of Sexual and Gender Based violence whilst urging people to stop victim blaming as this could discourage victims from reporting incidences of violence. She rather encouraged residents of Mushin to be active bystanders and expose abusers.
Dr Adeola Obasanya, the Adolescent Focal Person of the Primary Health Care Board on her part,informed participants of the medical centres available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Mushin some of which include Ayantuga PHC, Mushin PHC and Palm Avenue PHC. She charged sexual assault survivors to report immediately to any of these hospitals to seek medical attention free of charge
The meeting had in attendance over 200 stakeholders drawn from Community Development Association and Councils, Community Development Authorities, religious leaders notably the Chief Imam of Oshodi Isolo, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Mushin Branch, traditional rulers including market men and women, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) was inscribed on memorabilia and distributed to all participants.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of plaques to the local government in recognition of their commitment towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in their LGAs and LCDAs.
The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the state.
