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-As Adeboruwa condemns all forms of SGBV
Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has taken its advocacy against SGBV to Igbogbo Community, Ikorodu recently as part of the 16 Days of Activism celebration.
Dr. Bountiful Taiwo-Adelanwa reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating abuse, stating that while the 16 Days of Activism spotlight gender-based violence annually, the DSVA remains steadfast in creating awareness and offering psychosocial support to survivors.
Taiwo-Adelanwa provided a comprehensive overview of gender-based violence (GBV), underscoring the gravity of offences such as having sexual relations with minors, which is punishable by life imprisonment under the law, adding that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Alaiyeluwa Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, and Emugoriade I, in his royal remarks, emphasising the significance of the event.
The revered monarch acknowledged the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) for its proactive efforts and affirmed that traditional rulers across the state unequivocally condemn all forms of child abuse and gender-based violence.
Oba Kasali encouraged parents to prioritise their children’s education, discouraging child hawking, which robs them of a future. He highlighted that the agency’s advocacy extends to men and children, not solely women, showcasing a balanced and inclusive approach to tackling these societal issues.
Some of the encouraged vigilance includes Parental Responsibilities where Parents are urged to create a nurturing home environment by avoiding the use of derogatory language toward their children or partners. Negative comparisons and verbal abuse that can cause lasting harm to a child’s emotional well-being are to be encouraged to foster positive communication and mutual respect.
Dr. Taiwo-Adelanwa urged participants to pledge their commitment to eradicating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within their communities and throughout Lagos State. She emphasised the collective responsibility of ensuring that abuse is neither tolerated nor ignored, advocating for a safer environment for all.
The Doctor further disclosed that the DSVA is utilising a holistic approach to combating abuse with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Case Management by providing survivors with a structured pathway to recovery; while the Field Officers engage with communities to identify and address issues on the ground; the Empowerment Unit equips survivors with the skills and resources to rebuild their lives while the Psychological Support by offering counselling services to address trauma; Virtual Referral and Response Service (VRRS) also operating 24/7 to ensure immediate response and support.
The DSVA’s toll-free reporting line, 08000-333-333, was highlighted as a vital tool for reporting abuse, with assurances of strict confidentiality.
Participants were reminded that they are all mandated reporters, empowered to act when they witness abuse, regardless of whether it affects them directly.
The session concluded with a unifying resolve among participants to actively combat SGBV and support the DSVA’s mission of fostering a violence-free Lagos.
