Lagos Reveals Sexual Violence Cases Recorded As DSVA Begins Awareness Month

Lagos State government on Friday disclosed that the state has recorded about 24, 955 gender-based sexual violence between 2019 till date.

This was disclosed on Friday during a press conference held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, to announce programmes for the state’s 2024 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

This year’s awareness month is themed, “SGBV, Not On My Watch”, commencing September 2.

Executive Secretary, DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised the agency’s commitment to ensuring that survivors have access to comprehensive care and support which includes; medical, legal, psychosocial, and empowerment services, as well as rescue operations and access to justice.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, represented by Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyenuga, said that “The theme of this year is based on the compelling need to ensure that Lagosians realise that ending the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence is indeed a collective effort, which requires the support and collaboration of all members of society.

“We therefore intend to engage all demographics including men, women and children.”

Speaking on the line up of activities, Oyenuga said the programme would commence with Turn Alausa Purple on September 2, with civil servants wearing purple vests.

Also, there will be Eko men walking to encourage men to see themselves as duty bearers in the fight against SGBV, shun any form of violence and also promote positive masculinity.

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He said this will also be an opportunity to shine the light on the fact that men can be victims/ survivors and they should therefore be encouraged to speak up and give men the opportunity to speak with other men themselves.

According to him, the programme will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, within the Ajegunle area of Lagos State within the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government.

“The increased number of cases that has been received recently from that area has informed our decision to have this walk in that area,” Pedro, represented by Oyenuga said.

Others include: Advocacy walks against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The walk takes place at Local Governments where there are low reporting of cases. This would involve the paramount traditional rulers, community leaders, market men and women, religious clerics and other relevant stakeholders in the community.

The symposium for the 2024 edition is titled” Are We Doing Enough? A Decade of Reflection and Action.”

The programme is geared at reviewing the state’s progress in responding to SGBV in the past 10 years.