The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has held its second local government town hall meeting at Ajeromi-Ifelofun Local Government Area in an attempt to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State.In her address at the event, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the town hall meeting with the theme: “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”, was designed to heighten awareness about Domestic and Sexual Violence amongst members of the community, adding the Lagos State government has made support services available for victims and survivors.She reiterated the need for Lagosians 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 the DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the declaration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’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, Mr. Lucky Uduikhue, assured participants of the Local Government’s zeal and desire to ensure all relevant stakeholders collaborate to rid Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).Also speaking, Mrs. Adeola Birch of the Youth Adolescent Friendly Centres, Ministry of Health; ASP Itunu Faremi and Inspector Folasade Ajayi, Officers in Charge of Festac and Ajegunle Family Support Units 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, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Community Development Authorities, Market Men and Women, Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Artisans, Captains of Industries and other relevant stakeholders in the area.The DSVA later distributed pamphlets and memorabilia containing information and a toll-free line (08000333333) for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases to all participants.
Recall that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency commenced its statewide Local Government Town Hall Meetings on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Surulere earlier in the month.
