domestic and sexual violence – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LASG Set to Introduce Compulsory Marital Effectiveness Preparatory Counseling for Intending Couples

Posted on August 9, 2022

The Lagos State Government has expressed readiness to introduce compulsory Marital Effectiveness Preparatory Counseling for intending couples to ensure they are proactively addressed about Domestic and Sexual Violence in Lagos State. This was disclosed on Monday,8th August,2022, during a one-day engagement program of all State Marriage Registrars, organized by The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government , Mrs Kikelomo Sanyaolu who was ably represented the Director Local Government, Mr. Amodu whilst commending the Agency, expressed the willingness and readiness of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in proactively addressing Domestic violence in Lagos State. In her opening remarks, The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi noted that at least 60% of survivors of domestic violence who had contracted their marriage under the Matrimonial Causes Act, saw the abusive signs of their intending spouse but still proceeded with the Union which has therefore become expedient for marriage registrars to provide professional support to intending couples. Erudite facilitators of the program, Mrs. Tinuke Odukoya, Executive Director, Centre for Women’s Health and Information, Mr. Oladele Emmanuel Temilade, Founder, Institute of Marriage Administrators & Counselors of Nigeria and the Founder of Family Life Engineer, Praise Fowowe, took the participants on emerging issues which includes gender and sex roles, understanding Domestic violence, statutory roles of Marriage registries, family system engineering as well as an introduction into the curriculum of the Lagos State Marital effectiveness preparatory Counselling. A participant of the program, Mr. Deji Sokeye, National president of Local Government Registrars of marriage in Nigeria in his vote of thanks, reassured the State of their commitment in embracing the initiative. In attendance was a total of 120 marriage registrars comprising all marriage registrars and their deputies across the State.

Lagos High Court Sentences Baba Ijesha To 16 Years Imprisonment

Posted on July 15, 2022

A State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday, 14th of July has sentenced Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha to 16years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14year old girl. Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the State High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division delivered judgement in the case of STATE OF LAGOS VS OLANREWAJU JAMES (A.K.A BABA IJESHA). The defendant was earlier arraigned before the Court on the 24th of June, 2021 on a six (6) count charge of * Sexual assault by penetration (2014) * Indecent treatment of a child * Sexual assault of (2011) * Indecent treatment of a child (2015) * Sexual assault (2015) * Attempted sexual assault by penetration (2021) The Directorate of Pubic Prosecutions argued that the offences violated Sections 259, 135 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 respectively; Sections 135, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 respectively. The Prosecution presented 6 witnesses who testified against the defendant and tendered various evidence to corroborate the testifiers before the Court. The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo held that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of sexual assault of a minor and indecent treatment of a minor against the defendant. The judge, however, discharged and acquitted him of count one and six which were sexual assault by penetration (which took place in 2014) and attempted sexual assault by penetration, which took place in 2021). The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment for count two (2), three years for count three (3), five years for count four (4) and three years for count five (5) taking effect from today, 14th of July, 2022. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Lagos DSVA Commences Engagement of Schools In STRAC Initiative.

Posted on June 19, 2022

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has commenced engagement of Primary & Secondary School Students via its “Safeguarding the Rights of a Child”, STRAC initiative in its effort to curtail domestic and sexual abuse in the State on Friday, 17th of June, 2022 at the Education District 1, Agege. Speaking at the workshop, Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that the STRAC initiative is critical in view of the fact that children have a role to play in their own protection. She stated that STRAC is an interactive workshop to engage children in age appropriate language on their rights, responsibilities, body safety, child abuse, how to avoid being a victim of sexual abuse, self-defence tips, and how to preserve evidence if physically or sexually abused and ultimately, speaking out and reporting abuse. Vivour-Adeniyi noted that this prevention workshop is led by trained peer educators, who have experience in gender relations, socialization, dating violence and sexual violence prevention, which will go a long way in curbing incidents of Child Abuse in the State. Vivour-Adeniyi said the goal is to empower millions of children in order to ensure that they are able to prevent the occurrence of domestic and sexual abuse in Lagos State. Asides from verbally engaging students on their rights and responsibilities, the Executive Secretary added that there are provisions of STRAC textbooks prepared by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to strengthen the reading culture of children, empower them and serve as a preventive tool against all forms of abuse. She expressed satisfaction on the success of the programme as students expressed delight that the programme has empowered them to speak up in any case or form of abuse. She noted that another workshop would be held for about 3500 students from at least 31 primary and secondary schools to enlighten them on Safeguarding the Rights of a child. The workshop had in attendance about 750 Secondary School Students drawn from Mulero Junior Grammar School, State High School Ajewole, Eko Senior College, Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School and Lagos Baptist Senior College, Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Iloro Junior Grammar School, Agege Junior College, Iloro, Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Sango Senior Secondary School, Sango Junior Secondary School, District Junior College, Yewa Junior High School and Unity Junior High School.

DSVA Continues Enforcement of Safeguarding And Child Protection Policy In Schools

Posted on May 31, 2022

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has continued to reitirate its commitment to protecting children against any form of abuse. As a result, DSVA in collaboration with the Office of Education Quality Assurance has continued to engage Administrators and Heads of Schools in all Education Districts on the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Speaking at the sensitization programme, the Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the programme was pertinent for teachers and heads of schools to enable them understand the rights of a child and the policy that protects them as the school is the second home of a child where they spend a significant part of their lives. She added that for our schools and society to be free and safe from all manner of abuse and dastardly acts, people need to be active bystanders. The one-day sensitization programme which was held in batches on the 23rd, 24th and 26th of May, 2022 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja saw Child Protection Experts like; Mr. Taiwo Akinlami, Founder, Taiwo Akinlami Academy, the Director- General of Office of Education Quality Assurance; Mrs. Abiola Seriki- Ayeni and Mrs. Modupeola Sahid-Adebambo, Founder Safe Haven enlightening stakeholders on the safeguarding and child protection policy of the Lagos state government. In attendance were a total of 680 primary and secondary government and private schools drawn from education districts 2 and 3in the state. DSVA has continued to call on anyone experiencing any form of abuse to speak up and call its toll free line 08000-333-333.

DSVA Partners LASWA On Domestic And Sexual Violence

Posted on May 31, 2022

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), on Monday, 30th of May, commenced an awareness campaign for residents living in the riverine areas of Lagos State. The awareness campaign kicked off with a walk against domestic and sexual violence as officials of DSVA and LASWA walked from Military Hospital, Lagos to Falomo while sensitizing the public on the dangers of SGBV. DSVA has remained relentless in its fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and is keen on eradicating it in the state. During the walk, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi thanked LASWA for its collaboration with the agency in it’s fight against SGBV whilst restating the state government’s zero-tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence. She also urged residents of Lagos State to see themselves as Mandated Reporters who have a duty to say and do something when they see something. On his part, the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, appealed to all participants to spread the message across and become ambassadors against Domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State. The LASWA GM further emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, explaining that a large number of Lagos residents make use of LASWA jetties and terminals daily, hence the reason for the joint sensitization between LASWA and DSVA. In furtherance of the awareness campaign, fliers, posters and other informative materials would be placed at all the ferry terminals including, Apapa ( Liverpool terminal), Ikorodu Baiyeku Ikorodu, Badore – Tarzan terminal Ebutte Ero, Ijegun, Ebutte Ojo and Falomo- 5 cowries. There will also be ongoing sensitisation exercises which will involve engaging members of the respective communities. DSVA has continued to call on anyone experiencing any form of abuse to speak up and call its toll free line;08000-333-333.

Lagos Sensitizes Mushin Local Government Residents On Sexual And Gender Based Violence

Posted on May 6, 2022

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.

LASG Expands SGBV Campaign To Mainland Local Government.

Posted on April 8, 2022

As part of its mandate to curb all forms of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has again expanded its monthly local government town hall meeting to Lagos Mainland. The fourth town hall meeting organised by the agency, themed “it’s on us to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ took place on Tuesday,5th April,2022 at the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Yaba is aimed at creating awareness amongst members of the community at the grass root level on issues regarding Sexual and Domestic Violence. Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary Of DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour- Adeniyi in her opening remarks urged the participants to see themselves as active bystanders saddled with a responsibility to report cases of violence whenever it occurs. She therefore reiterated the need to regularly sensitize members of the public on the various forms of sexual and domestic violence. On her part, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Omolola Essien assured participants of the local government’s commitment to ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate to rid Lagos Mainland LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The Hon. Chairman of Yaba Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Kayode Omiyale who was ably represented by Mr. Michael Olufemi Babalola, the Human Resource Officer, reassured participants of his administration’s commitment in ensuring Yaba was rid of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Denton Divisional Police Headquarters, Ebute Metta ,SP Joseph Egwuonu encouraged residents of the local govt to report incidents of SGBV as the police personnel are regularly trained on ways to respond to such cases. Other stakeholders at the town hall meeting including the Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, Centre Manager, WARIF Dr.Aniekan Makanjuola and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Yesufu Baqiah, educated the participants on the effects sexual and domestic Violence has on not only the victims but including the society at large, whilst informing them of available resources at their disposal. The State toll free number to report cases (08000333333) was shared on fliers and other memorabilia. Whilst appreciating the State Government for bringing this campaign to the grassroots, the Representative of the SGBV Surveillance Team, reiterated the community’s desire to work with Government in ensuring perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book. The meeting had over 200 stakeholders in attendance, drawn from Lagos Mailand L.G.A, Yaba L.C.D.A, Community Developments Council, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders were charged to take a stand against all forms of abuse in an effort to end this menace in the society.

Lagos State Commences Publication of Details of Sex Offenders

Posted on March 10, 2022

In furtherance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s zero tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence, the State government has begun the publication of details of sex offenders in the state. This was disclosed to newsmen by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour Adeniyi during a press conference at the agency’s office. The details according to the Executive Secretary includes; name and picture of the sex offender, the nature of the offence as well as the duration of the sentence handed down by the court. Mrs Vivour Adeniyi noted that this was in line with the provisions of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, particularly section 42 which provides that the Agency is to periodically publish details of Sex convicts in the state. She also said letters of advisory have been issued to local governments and traditional rulers of the communities where the convicts previously resided. This measure is one amongst many deployed by the state government to end the culture of impunity and also serve as a deterrence to other sex offenders. As further provided in the law, the details of sex convicts are to be published periodically on the State Government’s website, (www.lagosstate.gov.ng), the website of the Ministry of Justice ( https://lagosstatemoj.org) and the Agency’s website; ( www.dsvrtlagos.org) The Executive Security reiterated that the stance of the State government is resolute in preventing incidents of sexual and domestic abuse, whilst ensuring justice for all survivors. She added that to report any case of domestic and sexual violence, Lagosians are to call the toll-free number, 08000333333.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Storms Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA to Sensitize Residents on SGBV

Posted on February 24, 2022

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Tuesday continued its second local government town hall meeting at Ajeromi Ifelofun local Government in an attempt to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the state.The meeting which is the second community engagement this year took place at Ajeromi Ifelodun local government The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” is designed to heighten 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 participants ,the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the need for all participants to see themselves as mandated reporters, charging them that if they see something, they have a duty to say something and do something. Vivour-Adeniyi added that this year, DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the declaration of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s zero tolerance to all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence, is attained. Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Lucky Uduikhue assured participants of the local government’s zeal and desire in ensuring all relevant stakeholders, collaborate to rid Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Speaking further,Mrs Adeola Birch of the Youth Adolescent Friendly Centres, Ministry of Health, in Lagos State popularly referred to as “Hello Lagos!” including as ASP Itunu Faremi and Inspector Folasade Ajayi, Officers in Charge of Festac and Ajegunle Family Support Unit respectively, enlightened participants on issues related to SGBV, informing them of community resources available at their disposal. The meeting had in attendance over 300 stakeholders drawn from community Development Councils, traditional rulers, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) which was inscribed on memorabilia was distributed to all participants. It should be recalled that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency commenced Local Government Town Hall Meetings on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Surulere earlier in the month. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the State.

Sexual And Gender Based Violence: LASG Organizes Symposium On Factors And Triggers

Posted on December 15, 2021

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Tuesday, organized a symposium as part of its efforts in combatting sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State. The Symposium with the theme “Inter Generational Conversations; Factors & Triggers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence … Charting A way Forward” had in attendance, faith based organisations, community leaders, ,CDA, CDC, NGO’s, students of the University of Lagos and members of the National Youth Service Corps . The Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice,Ms. Titilayo Shitta Bey represented by the Director ,Citizen’s Mediation Centre Mrs. Abiola Oseni , in her goodwill message underscored the different efforts of the State Government in providing holistic response to incidents of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Shitta-Bey concluded by reiterating the need to offer real and practicable solutions in addressing the root causes of Sexual and Gender Based Violence which would ultimately lead to prevention. Speaking during the symposium,the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks disclosed that the primary objective of the symposium is to provide a platform where both young and old generations are engaged in conversation that involves causes, factors and triggers of SGBV. Expantiating further Adeniyi stated that the forum is an opportunity to interrogate societal cultural norms and other factors which encourage the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence. “At the end of the conversations, it is our sincere hope that both generations will be guided to chart a way forward in a bid to prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.” A keynote Speaker at the symposium Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences ,Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos Nigeria highlighted the different triggers, causes as well as proffered solutions ,some of which includes empowerment for boys and girls , pre marital Counselling and life skills, enlightenment programmes aimed at behavioral change, engagement of the private sector to embrace anti-GBV programmes. The panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Nyma Akashat – Zibiri of “Your View “(TVC). Panelists included Mr. Victor Okpala – Nabsolute Media, Ms. Halimat Oshun, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara – Commissioner ,Lagos State Audit Commission, Engr. Ajibade Oke – Member Rotary Club and Mr. Micheal West Panelists concluded that there is a need to keep the conversations going about Sexual and Gender Based Violence. In additional they recommended religious leaders, community leaders, gatekeepers and traditional rulers must work hand in hand with government to prevent and respond to SGBV.