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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Trains CommunityPharmacist on Domestic Violence Care

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Lagos State  Sexual Violence Agency have trained no fewer than 50 community licensed pharmacists on the provision of immediate care and referral services for survivors of domestic violence. This was disclosed at the 3rd training for community licensed pharmacists organized by the agency on Saturday, 30th April,2022 Speaking at the training, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi said the training is necessary for licensed pharmacists as the pharmacy is a safe space for many survivors of domestic abuse seeking medical assistance. She noted that community licensed pharmacies have consultation/ Counselling rooms which can serve as safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence to disclose their issues and receive assistance. A legal practitioner and Sexual and Gender Based Violence expert, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi enlightened participants on the relevant laws that regulate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state whilst giving an overview of the support services available to survivors Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, Executive Director of Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria facilitated the session on Gender Roles, Understanding Sexual and Gender and raising the index of suspicion. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Association of Community pharmacists , Lagos Branch, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator reiterated the Association’s commitment in ensuring that survivors of domestic violence who present themselves at their pharmacies would be able to access holistic care and support through effective referrals. He however urged survivors of domestic violence to take advantage of the Speak to INU initiative and access help at their community licensed pharmacists as such cases will be treated confidentially. It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had previously launched the Speak to INU ( I Need You) code scheme for survivors of domestic violence to access immediate help and support in the comfort of their local community pharmacies.

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LASG Expands SGBV Campaign To Mainland Local Government.

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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.

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Oshodi-Isolo Residents Declare Zero Tolerance to All Forms Of Sexual And Gender Based Violence

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Residents of Oshodi Isolo Local Government have declared a zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual  and Gender based violence in the State.This declaration was made during the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence outreach to Oshodi Isolo local government in a bid to address 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” which took place at Oshodi Isolo local government on Wednesday,23rd of March, 2022 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 the gathering, 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. She emphasized that the goal of the outreach is to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, as well as issues regarding child abuse whilst making reference to DSVA’s data over the years of the increase in formal and informal reporting of incidents of rape, domestic violence and child abuse from Oshodi-Isolo LGA. The Chairman of Oshodi Isolo Local Government, Hon. Kayode Oloyede Almaroof who was ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Modupe Badmus encouraged people  to speak up if they are subjected to violence in their relationships in order to curb the rate of violence in the society. She added that parents especially mothers should always pay attention and listen to their children so that they can confide in them when they face abuse. At the town hall meeting, A survivor of domestic violence who pleaded anonymity shared her story of intimate partner violence of how she had experienced various forms of abuse including physical, emotional, and financial abuse by her spouse. She however revealed how she was able to overcome these obstacles with the assistance of the DSVA and has now become empowered and has  empowered others as well. She noted that all her children including the females who faced discrimination by her husband not to further their education because of their gender are now educated. Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, the Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Health Information, 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. Rather she encouraged residents of Oshodi Isolo to be active bystanders and expose abusers. On her part, Dr Obasanya, Adolescent Focal Person of the Primary Health Care Board informed participants of the medical centres available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Oshodi-Isolo some of which include Isolo General Hospital,  Oshodi PHC, Iyana- Ejigbo PHC, Ilasa PHC. She charged sexual assault survivors to report immediately to any of these hospital to seek medical attention for free. 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, Isolo Branch, traditional rulers including his Royal Majesty, Oba Adesina, Elewu of Elewu Kingdom,  market men and women such as the Iya Loja of Oshodi Isolo,  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 which was distributed to all participants. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of plaques to the local governments in recognition of their commitment towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in their LGAs and LCDAs. Recall that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency commenced Local Government Town Hall Meetings on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in January, 2022 at Surulere Local government. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the State.

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Lagos State Commences Publication of Details of Sex Offenders

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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.

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Lagos enforces Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies in Schools

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The Lagos State Government under the aegis of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Office of Education Quality Assurance has commenced implementation of the State’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in schools The one-day sensitization program, held on the Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa was aimed at educating principals, heads of schools and school administrators on the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy of the State Government The program was facilitated by erudite child protection experts which includes the Director-General , Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, Mr.Taiwo Akinlami and Mrs. Modupeola Saheed Adebambo Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency(DSVA),Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi underscored the fact that whilst most child abuse occur within families and communities, children also experience abuse and exploitation in organisations that provide them with support and services. She added that research has shown that physical, emotional abuse and neglect in child focused organisations and institutions are less systematic and usually unplanned, as it stems from poor conditions, bad work practices and negligent management. Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that it is mandatory for all child centred institutions to adopt and ensure full implementation of a Safeguarding and Child Protection policy. On her part,the Director-General ,Education Quality Assurance,Mrs. Abiola Seriki- Ayeni, highlighted the need for schools to recognize the role they play in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children, especially as children spend a significant time of their day in school. The Director-General urged participants to take advantage of the free online course “Introduction of Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy” which over 10 000 educators have successfully completed, encouraging those who haven’t taken the course to do so. Mrs. Adebambo provided an overview of the Executive Order on Safeguarding and Child Protection programme, whilst emphasizing critical measures schools should take in ensuring the safety of their students, some of which includes,safer recruitment procedures, adopting a safeguarding policy, having a designated safeguarding officer and establishing reporting, recording and feedback mechanisms. Mr. Taiwo Akinlami gave an insight into what child’s rights entails,societal and cultural perceptions of children as well as norms and beliefs that encourage child abuse.The issue of corporal punishment was also discussed, even as participants were reminded of the State Government’s No-Caning policy. A total of 400 primary and secondary schools, drawn from both public and private schools in Education District 6 were in attendance .Participants were given the relevant tools required in ensuring they are able to effectively establish and implement Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in their institutions. The program is to be implemented in all education districts, thereby reiterating Mr. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration’s commitment in ensuring the safety and protection of all children in Schools.

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

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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.

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Lagos State Government Commences Town Hall Community Engagements On Sexual and Gender Based Violence

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In a bid to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA)on Tuesday held its maiden town hall Local Government meeting tagged ‘Its on Us to End Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ at Surulere Local Government as well as Coker AGUDA and Itire Ikate LCDA. The meeting had in attendance over 300 stakeholders drawn from community Development Councils, Community Development Authorities, Market men and Women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. According to the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the concept of the Town Hall meeting is to decentralise services and ensure that residents of the State irrespective of their location, be it in the inner cities, urban and rural areas are aware of the existence of the relevant laws as well as the support services available to them, these according to her include medical, social services and partner NGOs in their communities. She added that the purpose of the community outreach is to solidify its partnership with Local governments as well as creation of a community response teams who would serve as first responders, thereby opening up the referral pathway for survivors desirous of accessing justice. Vivour-Adeniyi added that this year DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the present administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s zero tolerance  declaration to all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence is attained. On his own part, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dosunmu Adewale assured participants of the Local Government’s zeal and desire in ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate and rid out the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) out of the State. The Executive Chairman  of Coker AGUDA Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ibrahim Rasaq Lekan also reiterated the same.  Dr. Veronica Iwayemi of the Primary Health Care Board as well as DSP Abimbola Williams of the Lagos State Police Command, enlightened participants on issues related to SGBV  and informed them of community resources available at their disposal. The town hall meeting is to be held in all the LGAs as well as LCDAs across the State.

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NGOs and Lagos State Government Step Up Partnership To Proactively Address Sexual And Gender Based Violence.

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme organised a roundtable Ddscussion with non-governmental organizations in a bid to strengthen the existing synergy and collaboration between DSVA and the NGO’s.. The meeting which took place on the 26th of January, 2021 was held at Pearlwort Hotel & Suites, Alausa, Ikeja and had in attendance the Executive Secretary of DSVA, a representative from ROLAC and thirty representatives of the Non-Governmental Organizations whose thematic areas are sexual violence in Lagos State. In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour –Adeniyi, stated that for transparency and accountability purposes, it was important to brief partner NGOs on the yearly report of activities of the agency. Whilst presenting the scorecard of the agency, the Executive Secretary discussed the activities organized by the agency from January to December, 2021 as she further enlightened the participants on the various interventions of the State Government and also highlighted the data in the year under review. According to her, the Agency had provided services to 3943 survivors, 2721 adults and 1222 children. Furthermore, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Eti Osa Local Governments had recorded the highest reporting of occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State. At the round table discussion, Non-Governmental Organizations were also given an opportunity to share the successes and challenges encountered in the past year. The common challenges highlighted by the representatives were lack of funding of the NGOs, institutional challenges and withdrawal of cases by some of the victims. A common highlight and success story recorded by the NGos was the fruitful sensitization programmes held at schools, markets and communities to raise awareness against domestic and sexual violence. Whilst responding to the concerns raised, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated  the state government’s zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence by the Governor Sanwo-Olu Administration . The representatives of the Non- Governmental Organizations were urged to continue to be proactive in the fight against Domestic and Sexual violence in Lagos State.

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

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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.

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Engaging Boys as Agents Of Change In The Fight Against Domestic And Sexual Violence

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In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls, members of the Kings Club project, an initiative of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Thursday organized a debate on Domestic and sexual Violence. The Debate with the topic: Domestic and Sexual Violence; who is to blame? The Perpetrator or the Society? was held at Oregun Junior and Senior High School, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun and had in attendance Counsellors, Teachers and male Students drawn from Education Districts II, IV, V and Lagos Mainland Primary school. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks highlighted the importance of engaging boys proactively as a means of preventing domestic and sexual violence. She also reiterated the fact that boys can also experience domestic and sexual violence and were urged to speak out and break the silence. The Executive Secretary further noted that the ultimate goal of the Kings Club is to create a sustainable structure in educational institutions that would help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, promote positive masculinity and bring about behavioral and attuditional change in the minds of young boys in Lagos State which is hoped would ultimately prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The different debaters at the event canvassed their positions and ultimately encouraged members of the public as well as the State Government to ensure that Domestic and Sexual Violence is nip in the bud. At the end of the Debate session, Immaculate Senior High School came up tops with a total of 337 points and a cash prize prize of Fifty Thousand Naira . In second place was Immaculate Junior School with a total of 317 points and a cash price of Thirty Thousand Naira while third and fourth places were Mende Senior High School and Mende Junior School with 291 and 275 points respectively. The panel of Judges and Special Guests which include Mr. Taiwo Akinlami; Mr. Unwana Esang, Mr. Dennis Onoise, Mr. Victor Okpala, Mr. Lukas Koyejo, and Mrs. Oladipo charged the boys to remain committed in their educational pursuit and use their gender to protect, promote and uphold gender equality.

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