EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE LAGOS STATE DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGENCY(DSVA)
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi (The Merchant of Hope), has spent about 15 years in public service where she has served with Lagos State Government in different capacities. Her experience cuts across public policy and public administration, as well as legal expertise and social services (social welfare and social protection).
She has been instrumental in ensuring a proactive and coordinated response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos State. She currently serves as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
She is an author of several books for children on Domestic Violence, Civic education, Sexual Violence & Self-love/Body Safety. More recently, she published her memoir in a book titled ‘Living for a higher purpose, Inspiring hope through the Nigerian Public Service’ in December 2022.
Lola is the founder of the Lola Vivour Adeniyi Foundation, which is committed to empowering the vulnerable in the society through the provision of scholarships and business grants. The `foundation has been able to support over 35 women led businesses and sponsored numerous kids through scholarships.
As a consultant, she has worked with national and international organizations including British Council, (European Union Funded ROLAC) World Bank and United Nations. She continues to provide technical support for development of SGBV Response models for other States of the Federation.
Lola is an alumnus of Middlesex University, School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) and the London School of Economics. She is also a recipient of various awards including the Partnership and Appreciation Award, presented by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She is married with 3 children. She enjoys travelling, shopping, spending time with her family, and meditating on the bible.
ABOUT THE DSVA
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency as well as the Sex Offenders Register was assented to by Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the 20th of September 2021 by a Bill of Law.
This Law establishes an Agency whose mandate is to provide and coordinate end to end response to incidents of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the State. The activities of the Agency is ably managed by the Executive Secretary Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi
The DSVA is responsible for the following as listed below:
- Co- ordinate immediate response to sexual and gender-based violence including;
- Reporting incidences of sexual and domestic assaults,
- Making initial contact with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence offences,
- Providing medical evaluation and care,
- Collection and documentation of forensic and crime scene evidence and,
- Conducting preliminary investigation.
- Rescue and provide support to survivors in accordance with the regulations made under this law;
- provide support, counselling, information and referrals for survivors of sexual and gender offences, as well as advocacy to ensure that they receive assistance;
- establish shelters and safe houses for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in each senatorial district of the state;
- register and regulate private shelters and safe houses within the state;
- provide information and counselling support for the families and friends of survivors of sexual and gender based violence offences;
- provide financial assistance subject to the availability of funds and on the fulfilment of conductions as may be prescribed by the Board, to high risk survivors of sexual and gender based violence offences for logistics cost to the various responder agencies, case management medical assistance, sexual assault counsellor, psycho social support, business seed grants, cost of relocation or any other form of allowance or assistance necessary;
- foster effective and enduring public-private partnership for tackling sexual and gender based violence offences in the state;
- acquire, deploy and maintain up-to-date technology to enable easy access to medical and legal assistance to survivors of sexual and gender based violence offences;
- facilitate knowledge exchange between relevant local and international organizations with similar mandates;
- foster relationship between the agency and other private or government establishments both locally and internationally;
- arrange publicity activities of the agency and periodically organize symposia, conferences, educational activities, workshops and exchange programmes;
- facilitates the provision of online services in the form of psycho social support, counselling and referrals of survivors of sexual and gender based violence offenses;
- provide essential information to those in need (such as information on different support services available) and efficiently manage the quality of assistance being provided;
- ensure continuous advocacy and sensitization programmes for members of the public and targeted groups in the policy;
- implement support strategies to increase the capacity of responder agencies;
- support Government agencies and private organizations engaged in prevention of and response to sexual and gender based violence offences;
- protect the rights of survivors of sexual and gender based violence offences against discrimination and stigmatization;
- create and maintain a state Delta Bank of all sexual and gender based violence offences;
- receive and respond to complaints and petitions from the public; and
- do such other things as may be necessary for the achievement of its functions under this law.
Our Vision
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is mandated to overcome negative societal norms, gender inequalities and systemic oppression to survivors of domestic and sexual violence through providing quality services and enriched programming.
Our Mission
To provide sensitive services of domestic and sexual violence while promoting healthy relationships as we strive to enhance our community response to domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.
Our Core Values
Upholding survivor’s privacy and confidentiality
Honoring cultural, physical, mental, emotional and language needs of survivors
Committing to domestic and sexual assault prevention education.
Valuing survivors’ voices within the criminal justice system
Remaining professional and innovative
Treating everyone with respect.