The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DSVRT

  • Lagos : 3,850 domestic violence cases reported in three years

    ABOUT 3,850 domestic violence cases were reported in Lagos State between 2016 and last year, Domestic Violence & Sexual Response Team (DSVRT) Coordinator Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi has said.

    She said more residents were aware of the scourge and were speaking out against it and seeking help.

    She spoke on Sunday at a three-day Nigerian Association of Adventist Lawyers (NAAL) 2019 National Convention with the theme:  “Adventist lawyers, impact for influence”.

    Delivering a lecture titled: ‘’Domestic violence: causes, management and solutions,’’ Vivour-Adeniyi said the abuse could be psychological, physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or economic/deprivation.

    “A recent victimisation survey shows that one in four women will be raped, abused and beaten in their life time. In some cases such violence result in the death of the victims or in most cases leaves the victims traumatised.

    “In Lagos State, we have continued to see a steady increase in reporting of domestic violence. In 2016, 450 cases were reported. In 2017, 1,044 cases were reported, while in 2018, 2,356 cases were reported. On average, we now handle 150 new cases monthly,” she said.

    Read also: Emir proposes Muslim Family Bill to tackle child spacing, domestic violence

    Vivour-Adeniyi dismissed myths about domestic violence, including the idea that men involved are violent because they cannot control their anger and frustration or that alcohol, drug abuse, stress and mental illness cause domestic violence.

    She said: “Alcohol use, drug use and stress do not cause domestic violence; they may go along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers often say they use these excuses for their violence.

    “Although alcohol and drugs are often associated with domestic violence, they do not cause the violence. Many men who beat their wives do not drink. Men who drink and beat their wives usually do not beat random people on the street, their parents or their bosses. They direct their violence only at their wives.”

    Some of the discussants at the event –  Justice Adefunmilola Adekemi Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court; NAAL President Justice L.T.C. Eruba of the Abia State Judiciary; Prof Adejoke Oyewunmi and Dr. Paul Ananaba (SAN) – urged people, especially lawyers, to  help victims of domestic violence.

  • Nigerians applaud singer Falz over sexual violence video

    Nigerians and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) have lauded singer, Folarin Falana a.k.a Falz for addressing sexual violence in his latest music video.

    The reactions came after the award wining artiste announced the release of the video titled “Child of the world” on his social media platform @falzthebahdguy FALZ – “Child Of The World” official video out”

    According to DSVRT, it acknowledged Falz’s effort to speak up about “real life issues” on their official twitter account.

    @DSVRT “We would like to use this medium to appreciate Falz for spreading the word on Sexual Abuse in the recently released video for his song, Child of the World.

    “Together we will tackle this menace. Thank you for pointing Survivors in the direction of Help and Justice @falzthebahdguy”.

    There has been a popular demand for Nigerian music artistes to use their art to speak on issues affecting the Nigerian society and lifestyle.”

    While Some Nigerians took to Twitter to praise the idea behind the music video others called on more artistes to do same .

    @iambussie “In a country where we got artiste doing songs and videos just for the commercial value, its rare to see the kind of Falz”.

    @alpha_jenner “Falz touched sexual harassment, HIV/AIDS and suicide all at once with Child of The World. So far Falz seems to be doing everything as an artist to speak against societal problems”.

    @elsieisy “Our celebrities don’t speak on social issues,

    Let’s pay attention to the ones speaking up in an amazing way”

    @ifol_ “From child of the world to this is Nigeria to whatever the next project is we just want you to know we your fans at proud of you”.

    @t_riumphant “Cool how Falz could treat topics like rape, HIV and suicide in one video.Child of the world is lit”.

    @ecstacy “Falz is touching important subjects with his music and that my people, is outstanding”

    #Childoftheworld”.

    @michealeyitayo “The message in this video is so deep and encouraging our society needs more musicians like you @falzthebahdguy #ChildOfTheWorld”.

    “@wojayz “Falz is a great guy that uses music to communicate on real issues, #ChildOfTheWorld video is a masterpiece. Beautifully executed, I had been anticipating a video, and yes, I worried that it may not interpret the message well Kemi Adetiba did a fantastic job”.

    Others said the idea behind the song was well depicted by ex Big Brother Naija housemate Bambam in the music video.

    She acted as the “Child of the world” who was sexually harassed by her uncle.

    Also, societal pressure forced her to get involved in sexual acts with rich men to raise money to live a certain standard of life.

    This latest video is reminiscent of the music video titled “This is Nigeria” which was released by Falz earlier this year, also touching on issues affecting the Nigerian populace.

    Meanwhile, Kemi Adetiba the music video director, thanked Nigerians for the feedback on the new video as it is currently YouTube’s number 1 trending video.

    “Overwhelmed by the avalanche of messages and reposts on the new “Child of the World” video

    It felt great to go back to where it all started… Music Videos.

    Thanks to Falz for being an incredible Artiste, an amazing song, and thinking I was the one able to interpret it.

    Thank you to Toyin Abraham and Bambam for giving up their precious time and bending to my creative madness.

    Thank you to those clicking to watch. I see what you’re doing to the numbers And it isn’t even 24 hours yet’” Adetiba said.

  • Lagos agency conducts rape and related crime rally

    Lagos agency conducts rape and related crime rally

    Rape, domestic violence and child molestation are silent crimes that eat deep into the lives of victims, destroying all that is good, of joy and peace.

    They have defaced the beauty of marriage where couples put out a facade smile and corrupted the minds of the young, rendering them psychologically defective, sexually perverted and socially deconstructive.

    Most people, even the elite experience this and these social ills are more dominant in the rural areas.

    This fact is drawn from the community engagement currently run by teams of social workers of the Lagos state Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team ( DSVRT ) under the Lagos state Ministry of Justice.

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    The mission is to provide sensitive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; while promoting healthy relationships as they strive to enhance a coordinated community response to domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

    The team has engaged individuals in market places, primary and secondary schools, primary health care centres, religious institutions, houses in over fifteen local government areas in Lagos state conducting awareness campaign and field survey.

    Read also: Court dissolves 17-year-old marriage over rape

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    So far, DSVRT has raised the consciousness of Lagosians to the law against domestic violence, rape and child abuse through its members led by Damilare Adewusi who are on the field sensitizing the public to take actions by reporting perpetrators and others to avoid the acts.

    The team has also engaged women and the children in Lagos state about their fundamental rights and what to do when they or someone else they know experiences these abuse.

    Also with the support of the team coordinator, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and the community engagement team coordinator, Mr Adetayo immediate steps are taken once any case arises from the field.

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    “We urge you to please join the movement and help make Lagos state a better society for ourselves and children to live. Thus, be a mandated reporter today, report any related cases to the nearest health care centre or simply dial 112 and 08137960048,” Damilare said.

  • Igbogbo monarch, others to partner Lagos, DSVRT on child abuse

    The Adegboruwa of Igbgbo Kingdom, Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, has said that himself and the Council of Chiefs and Baales will work with the Lagos State government and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to stop child abuse, rape and other forms of gender based violence in the community.

    Also, the Chairman of the Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Comrade Sesan Daini,  pledged alongside his executive council that they will partner with government and the team to wage war against the vice in the community.

    The occasion was at an advocacy ‘Walk to end sexual and gender base violence’ and to sensitise the community, students  on the negative effect of the vice, the plight of victims, the role expected of the community in such situations and preventive tips.

    The walk which coincided with the first year reign of  Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali,  took off from Igbe junction, through the major roads and crannies of the community and ended at the palace of the monarch.  It was led by the king and his chiefs.

    Oba Kasali  in his address, promised that the loft programme of the government on child abuse and other gender based violence will be fully enforced in Igbogbo community adding, “nobody living within this community will be abused and neither will any child be abused. We will work with government and ensure that this community is a live-able place to all”.

    He told members of the community that the Lagos State government has zero tolerance for child abuse, defilement and gender based violence.

    He remarked that children are the leaders of today and that their future should be preserved and admonished the people of the community against toying with their welfare.

    He cautioned parents, guardians against child abuse and domestic violence, particularly on women.

    “I have the mandate of God and by virtue of being the king of this community. I will never toy with your welfare. No responsible government will allow the welfare of the children to be trampled upon. In the same way, the vulnerable, handicaps will have a place in this community.

    “No citizen should trample on the right of fellow citizen. We are all equal, not just before government but also as provided for in the constitution”.

    The monarch advised students, particularly young girls to report any form of molestation and abuse against them, promising a quick response from the palace to such reports and complaints.

    A member of the DSVRT and retired director of the state’s Ministry of Health, Mrs Ladapo Alakija while sensitising the community on the negative aspects of child abuse counselled the youth not to allow anyone access to the five holes of their body which she said are their private parts.

    She advised them not take any bath, not to change their pant and cloth or brush their teeth if defiled by any person but to shout and report to the nearest police station, non -governmental organisations, NGOs or the palace of the monarch where she assured them they will get assistance.

    According to her, it is an abuse of the right of the child if they are denied food  and access to hospital by their parents when they are hungry or not in good health.

    The Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, also admonished mothers to desist from forcing their children to hawk for them at a time they should be in school.

    Chief Onasanya remarked that children are exposed to all forms of danger including defilement when they are out hawking along the streets.

    He said it was to stop this negative trends that the Oba  Semiudeen Kasali took it upon himself  to lead the advocacy walk to underscore the need to stop child abuse and gender based violence.

    The LCDA chairman, Comrade Sesan  Daini, reminded the people of the community that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administ-ration has zero tolerance for child abuse and domestic violence.

    Comrade Daini who described  the advocacy as a starting point in the fight against child abuse and gender based violence, promised that the council will build on the  efforts of government through creation of more awareness and re-orientation of the community.

    “We would ensure that we protect our community from anyone who made child abuse and other gender-  based violence his hallmark. Not only will we get the person arrested but also ensure he goes on trial”, he added.

     

  • ‘DSVRT handled 860 survivors last year’

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) attended to over 860 domestic violence survivors last year, its Coordinator, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said yesterday.
    Speaking during a “Flash mob dance” sensitisation organised by DSVRT in Abule Egba in collaboration with the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) students, she said: “In DSVRT, we attended to over 860 survivors of domestic violence that required a multi-disciplinary service.
    “Sometimes they had to be removed from the abusive environment, they had to be empowered; their children needed to change schools and they had to receive medical attention. So we offered a cross range of services to them and that was for 2016”.
    Vivour-Adeniyi said the team attended to an average of 100 clients per month since the beginning of the year, noting that domestic and sexual violence cases have been on the decline because of better DSVRT awareness programmes.
    “We don’t believe that there is an urpsurge in domestic violence in Lagos State. What is happening is that there is increase in reporting because people are more aware of where to go to for help. For us in Lagos State, I think it is important to know that we have the political will to fight this menace.
    “At the helm of affairs, key political office holders are speaking out against domestic violence, condemning it and ensuring that prosecution takes place,” the coordinator said.
    In her address, Director of Citizens Right Mrs Clara Ibirogba, who is also the alternate DSVRT chairman, said the exercise was initiated to bring the campaign against the menace to the people.
    Ibirogba said: “We are leveraging on the Lagos at 50 celebrations. We are bringing advocacy, sensitisation and awareness to key areas in Lagos State. We believe that we can pass the message in a creative manner by having a sudden dance in a public place to attract people to our message.”
    According to her, the team is organising the exercise at Lagos Island, Abule Egba, Ajah, Central Business District, Ikeja and other areas as efforts geared towards intensifying the campaign against rape, sexual harassment and child abuse.
    She noted that the team was working with students of LASPOTECH to create early awareness and helping them from falling victims to the menaces.

  • Mercy Aigbe coughing blood one week after incident -Commissioner

    Mercy Aigbe coughing blood one week after incident -Commissioner

    With civil and criminal actions being instituted against Lanre Gentry, estranged husband of Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, there are indications of a tough time ahead for the hotelier who, on Tuesday, was quizzed by the Lagos State department of Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

    Speaking to our Correspondent on the matter, visibly angry Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State, Mrs. Lola Akande, said it was disheartening to see the state Aigbe was when she came to her office to report the case.

    “She was coughing blood from her nose and mouth and she had injury on her face which the doctor said she must have an operation. I was so angry that I need to see the face of the man that did this to her, and so we invited him and he came yesterday (Tuesday) to say his own side of the story to the official in charge of domestic violence. But any man that can beat a woman to a pulp like that to the extent that she is still coughing blood one week after the incident need to have his head examined,” said Akande.

    According to her, the Lagos State Government has secured a restraining order for Aigbe from any further abuse by her husband.

    She commended the courage of Aigbe for voicing out her ordeal, and urged other women going through similar situation not to keep quiet about their ordeal.

    “I must commend the courage of mercy, because what she did is what other women who are victims of domestic violence out there need to do, they don’t need to hide it except they want to die there.”

    Adding her voice to the matter, Coordinator of DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the order henceforth prevents Mr. Gentry from getting close to his wife until further notice, assuring that the government would pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

    She disclosed that Gentry, who may be charged for domestic violence, is expected to appear in court in two weeks’ time to give reasons why the restraining order should not be made perpetual.

    Vivour-Adeniyi said the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was committed to stemming the tide of domestic violence, regardless of who the victim or the offender is, saying that Aigbe is yet another victim whose case would be treated according to the law.

    “We are actually working on the case with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), we are handling both civil and criminal. The criminal aspect of the domestic violence has been reported to the DPO of Area F and we accompanied her to the station with a view to charging the criminal aspect to court. So that is being handled.

    “The civil aspect which is to ensure that she is protected, that is where the restraining order comes in, which is provided by the Prevention Against Domestic Violence Law 2007. So, we approached the family court and we got a restraining order on her behalf, restraining Mr. Gentry from I think one mile from her.”