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Tag: DSVA

  • DSVA to PWDs: be abreast of SGBV laws

    DSVA to PWDs: be abreast of SGBV laws

    Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency(DSVA) Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi has admonished persons with disabilities (PWDs) to keep themselves abreast of the laws and other regulations on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    She spoke at a 2-Day Advocacy Training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)  held at Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja

    The advocacy training was held with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) funded by the European Union and Implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)..

    Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said the sole aim of the training is to create critical awareness and amplify the voices of persons with disabilities, who are  often left unheard and underserved in conversations around sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    “We know that persons with disabilities also experience sexual and gender base violence and it is important we take the messages to them in a way they understand, appreciate and take action”

    “And the most important skill we are starting up with is the laws. It js important that these people know the law, what to do, where to report too, number to call and medical facilities to run too for help at low cost. Also we aim at strengthening relationships that they can have full confidence to approach and report cases of abuse” she added.

    Read Also: DSVA, UK parliament to share legislative instruments on SGBV

    Mrs. Viviour-Adeniyi also stated that the expectations from these training is to increase the number of reports from PWDs

    “We are already seeing the numbers. in 2023 we provided  services to 11 PWDs, last year 2024, it increased to 25, the numbers of persons and we are expecting more”.

    The General Manager Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Adenike Onyetunde- Lawal,  further explained  that the essence of the whole training is to inform, educate and empower PWDs as it concerns sexual and gender based violence.

    “Check the number, it happens to be larger number of survivors are PWDs and  it is because issues and enlightenment of this nature are rare.”

    “I appreciate RoLAC and DSVA for putting this together ensuring PWDs are not left behind and also ensuring that anyone who abuse faces the full  wrath of the law and also putting information forward on why persons with or without disabilities should not be abuse at all.”

    “Access to justice is the key point from RoLAC and that’s why we are here” she added. 

    The State Resources and Administrative Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program International IDEA, Abimbola Ushie, said in her remarks that PWDs need to learn about their rights and what Lagos State can do for them.

    “The training is for them to learn about the key provisions of the law, how sexual and gender base violence affects them and agencies responsible for taking care of such cases”

    “They say knowledge is power and with this training PWDs can be empowered with the right tools, strategies and the laws they are entitled to too for protection”, she said.

  • DSVA club inducts 365

    DSVA club inducts 365

    The Kings and Queens Club of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has received a boost as 365 students have been inducted into  the club.

    The students were inducted into the club after undergoing a six-week training by the agency.

    The induction ceremony held last Thursday at Government Senior College Hall, Agege.

    The new inductees were drawn from 13 colleges including Joram College, Iju Senior Grammar School, Iju Junior Grammar School, Iju Obawole Junior Grammar School, Orile-Agege Community Junior High School and Eko Junior College.

    Others include Estate Junior High School,  Stadium Junior High School,  Keke Senior High School, Vetland Senior Grammar School, District Junior College, Unity Junior College and Yewa Junior High School.

    The initiative is supported by Ford Foundation.

    In her address at the induction ceremony held at Government Senior Secondary school, Agege, DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi  urged the  inductees to remember that they are not just representatives of their communities, but also role models for their peers.

    “Your actions, words, and decisions will have a ripple effect of positive change that will reach far beyond these walls”, she said.

    While congratulating the  inductees  for completing a six-week training, she also commended them for their dedication and commitment to the ideals of the club.

    Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi  expressed appreciation to the Ford Foundation, whose unwavering support and generosity, she emphasised, have made the initiative  possible.

    “Their commitment to social justice and their investment in building capacity for sustainable change continue to inspire and empower many”, she said.

    …DSVA engages Odi-Olowo, Lagos Island East

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA),held an engagement program with 70 members of Local council development area odi-olowo ojuwoye under mushin LCDA, AND 50 members of Lagos Island East LCDA-CDC,lagos state, on issues surrounding Sexual and Gender’Based Violence (SGBV) on 25th of March 2025.

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    The CDC’s members as stakeholders in the fight against SGBV were sensitized by the officer of the community engagement department of the Lagos DSVA and representative of the Executive Secretary,  Ms. Adetoun Odumbo.

     They were exposed to the issues surrounding SGBV, and that, they as stakeholders are Mandated Reporters of SGBV, that when they see something, they are mandated to report the case.

    She engaged the audience, consisting of men and women on the forms of SGBV, effects of SGBV, child abuse, and its adverse effects. She emphasized the critical role of parents in curbing child abuse and highlighted the distinction between child discipline and child abuse.

    This sensitization program underscores the agency’s dedication to raising awareness and encouraging reporting of SGBV cases, reaffirming its commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State.

    As first responder, they were encouraged to report cases of abuse around them, rather than concealing the information when they witness them, so that, together, SGBV can be reduced to the bearest minimum in their locality.

    The sessions were engaging, as there were opportunities for an interactive session even as they pledged  their support to eradicating SGBV out of their communities.

    Emphasis was laid on the Agency’s toll free line, 08000333333, as a channel of report.

    The effort of the Lagos State Government was appreciated by LCDA Chairman odi-olowo and Lagos Island East.

  • DSVA leverages technology to fight domestic, sexual violence

    DSVA leverages technology to fight domestic, sexual violence

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has introduced two innovations aimed at enhancing access to support services for survivors and mandated reporters. These initiatives align with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to providing holistic support and justice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

    The first innovation, Ask INU (I Need You), is a WhatsApp-based AI chatbox designed to provide immediate information and referrals.

    By simply sending a message to 0812 893 7058 on WhatsApp, users can access timely, confidential, and accurate information about available support services. This tool ensures that survivors and those assisting them are empowered with critical knowledge of the resources at their disposal.

    Additionally, Lagos DSVA has launched a Self-Reporting Tool via the Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS).

    By visiting lagosdsvcms.org and clicking on the “Report” tab, survivors and mandated reporters can securely submit key case details.

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    This tool also allows users to upload crucial evidence, including pictures, audio or video recordings, and medical reports. Strengthening evidence collection and preservation is a vital step in ensuring swift and effective justice.

    This intervention is particularly significant, considering that about 60 per cent of survivors who originally had pictorial, documentary, or audio evidence of abuse either misplace it, accidentally or voluntarily delete it, or have their devices destroyed by their abusive partners.

    With this portal, survivors can securely store and retrieve their evidence when *investigations commence* or whenever they are ready to seek justice.

    The improved collection and preservation of evidence will play a key role in building survivors’ cases and strengthening the prosecution of domestic violence cases in Lagos State—an area that has previously faced significant challenges.

    According to Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, these efforts reflect the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to break the culture of silence, provide seamless access to support for survivors, and ensure perpetrator accountability.

    With these innovations, Lagos State continues to set the pace in the fight against domestic and sexual violence—ensuring survivors receive the support and justice they deserve while actively working to prevent future occurrences and reduce such incidents to the barest minimum.

  • DSVA law for review

    DSVA law for review

    The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) is seeking  a review of the  law establishing the agency to improve justice for survivors.

    DSVA Executive Secretary Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated this when  members of the  Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and Lasiec as part of its oversight functions payed, a working visit to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency last week.

    The purpose of the visit was to familiarise members of the committee with the activities, address challenges  of the office and also promote the existing cordial relationship between the committee and the agency.

    Read Also: 10,000 sexual offence survivors, others get DSVA support

    Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said the intension is  to bring up the law up to include violence against persons prohibition act, spousal battery, forceful eviction from the home, economic abuse, decentralised service, the establishment of more designated police stations and heightened awareness.

    The DSVA Executive Secretary also gave a presentation relaying the agency’s efforts and commitment to ensuring justice to survivors, the workings towards achieving a clear goal on ensuring an end to SGBV and the challenges encountered in the course of duty.

    Earlier, the Chairman for the Committee, Hon Ladi Ajomale stated that the familiarisation tour to the agency was to build a formidable working relationship and to ensure the thrive to make Lagos a safer and better state for all its residents.

    Ajomale highlighted that the committee desired to be acquainted with what the agency’s  success rates, challenges, budget and its relationship with the state arrowheads.

    He praised the agency for a well put together structure and its workings  and assured that they would look into the budget slash and running cost in the coming year.

    Hon. Joseph Olaide Kehinde urged the agency to liaise with the public service office for operational vehicles as the agency has continued to contribute to the peace of the state.

    He also said the agency should engage more publicity to further disseminate the SGBV message.

    At the closing of the meeting, the committee members were adorned with the agency’s SGBV awareness pins.

  • Lagos Chief Judge pledges  support for DSVA

    Lagos Chief Judge pledges  support for DSVA

    • By Adams Oluwatosin

    The  Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has urged  judicial officers in the state  to continue to support the crusade against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.

    Justice Alogba stated this  when the Executive Secretary of the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi led members of the agency to adorn Judges and Magistrates of the Family Courts and the Domestic and Sexual offences Courts with purple ribbons, in commemoration of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence  awareness month of September,  2023.

    The event held at the Lagos High Court, Osborne Road, Ikoyi.

    Justice Alogba said:  “I would like us to become apostles of this fight against this heinous crime because as I have always said,   once you debase a lady,  you have dehumanised society.  The scar will always be there . It will impact even to  children and the trend continues.

    “That is the more reason we must not relent in our efforts in fighting against this menace, not only in our official capacities,  but where we see something, please say something and encourage anyone experiencing Abuse in any form to speak out because these crimes thrive in the cover which we give it, in the name of cultural habits. Reporting perpetrators , and ensuring they are prosecuted and dealt with by the law is fundamental, and one of the sure ways of ensuring it is eradicated.”

    Justice Alogba thanked the Executive Secretary and the  DSVA team for doing so well in the fight against this menace, posterity will reward you for doing so much for humanity.

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    Executive Secretary, DSVA,  Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi  thanked the  Judges and magistrates for the opportunity to adorn  judicial officers with purple crests which symbolise and depict domestic violence awareness.

    She said the event was symbolic and in commemoration of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month which is in September and in keeping up with the DSVA’s statutory mandate of heightening awareness and ensuring residents of Lagos are appropriately informed about the issues of SGBV, penalties when flouted and most importantly inform of free support services that exist that they can take advantage of.

    “We use this opportunity to appreciate the Lagos State Judiciary for remaining at the forefront, for being the pace setters for other State Judiciaries to emulate. It is undoubtedly on record that the Lagos State Judiciary is the first State in Nigeria to designate specialized courts for the adjudication of Domestic and Sexual Violence Offences.

    “This is just one of the many firsts of the Lagos State Judiciary”

    “We use this medium to however solicit for continuous support from the judiciary in ensuring that the relevant criminal laws on Sexual and Gender Based Violence are interpreted and applied with gender sensitivity and that SGBV cases are adjudicated upon swiftly.  Indeed, justice delayed is Justice denied” Vivour-Adeniyi added.

  • Lagos Chief Judge pledges  support for DSVA

    Lagos Chief Judge pledges  support for DSVA

    • By Adams Oluwatosin

    The  Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has urged  judicial officers in the state  to continue to support the crusade against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.

    Justice Alogba stated this  when the Executive Secretary of the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi led members of the agency to adorn Judges and Magistrates of the Family Courts and the Domestic and Sexual offences Courts with purple ribbons, in commemoration of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence  awareness month of September,  2023.

    The event held at the Lagos High Court, Osborne Road, Ikoyi.

    Justice Alogba said:  “I would like us to become apostles of this fight against this heinous crime because as I have always said,   once you debase a lady,  you have dehumanise society.  The scar will always be there . It will impact even to  children and the trend continues.

    “That is the more reason we must not relent in our efforts in fighting against this menace, not only in our official capacities,  but where we see something, please say something and encourage anyone experiencing Abuse in any form to speak out because these crimes thrive in the cover which we give it, in the name of cultural habits. Reporting perpetrators , and ensuring they are prosecuted and dealt with by the law is fundamental, and one of the sure ways of ensuring it is eradicated.”

    Justice Alogba thanked the Executive Secretary and the  DSVA team for doing so well in the fight against this menace, posterity will reward you for doing so much for humanity.

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    Executive Secretary, DSVA,  Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi  thanked the  Judges and magistrates for the opportunity to adorn  judicial officers with purple crests which symbolise and depict domestic violence awareness.

    She said the event was symbolic and in commemoration of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month which is in September and in keeping up with the DSVA’s statutory mandate of heightening awareness and ensuring residents of Lagos are appropriately informed about the issues of SGBV, penalties when flouted and most importantly inform of free support services that exist that they can take advantage of.

    “We use this opportunity to appreciate the Lagos State Judiciary for remaining at the forefront, for being the pace setters for other State Judiciaries to emulate. It is undoubtedly on record that the Lagos State Judiciary is the first State in Nigeria to designate specialized courts for the adjudication of Domestic and Sexual Violence Offences.

    “This is just one of the many firsts of the Lagos State Judiciary”

    “We use this medium to however solicit for continuous support from the judiciary in ensuring that the relevant criminal laws on Sexual and Gender Based Violence are interpreted and applied with gender sensitivity and that SGBV cases are adjudicated upon swiftly.  Indeed, justice delayed is Justice denied” Vivour-Adeniyi added.