Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has warned parents on growing cases of child sexual exploitation.
It urged parents to come together and tackle the abhorrent and horrific crime.
Speaking at a forum in Lagos, Head of Clinical Psychology Department at DSVA , Mrs Olive Oluwagbemileke, said parents should protect children from sexual exploitation.
According to her, children have been tricked or coerced into encounters of a sexual nature by family associates and guardians.
She said the forum was inaugurated to end child abuse, urging victims and guardians to report sexual abuse of children.
Director of Monitoring & Investigations at Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, Akodu Kamaradeen, reiterated government’s commitment to prevent and respond to child abuse in schools.
He called on the public not to be silent on child abuse cases but report them to institutions as a way of eradicating the vice.
State Coordinator of Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, urged parents to prevent early child abuse, and enjoined local authorities and other stakeholders to raise awareness on child abuse issues.
She said victims should seek counselling and therapy so they can return to normal life.