The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)

  • Gender-based violence against men rising, says Lagos agency

    Gender-based violence against men rising, says Lagos agency

    • State records highest number of cases

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reported a sharp rise in the number of men reporting gender-based violence.

    The agency said the state recorded nearly 8,000 cases this year, up from about 300 recorded in the previous years.

    The agency’s Head of Community Services, Damilare Adewusi, announced the figures during the 2025 International Men’s Day celebration and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) awareness yesterday in Lagos.

    To commemorate the day, DSVA, in partnership with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), organised an awareness walk with the theme: Navigating Pressure: A Man’s Well-being in Modern Lagos. The walk started at the UNILAG Senate Building and moved through major campus routes, drawing participation from staff, students, and advocacy groups.

    Read Also: FAAC shares N2.094tn October revenue to FG, States, LGAs

    Addressing reporters, Adewusi, who represented the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Adeniyi, said the initiative underscored the agency’s commitment to addressing violence affecting all genders.

    The executive secretary said domestic and sexual violence is not a single-gender concern, noting that government platforms encourage all survivors to report abuses.

    She explained that although men are often perceived as perpetrators in reported cases, many of them are also victims who hesitate to speak out due to societal stigma.

    According to her, DSVA has sustained several male-focused outreach programmes, including the monthly “Men with Habits” sessions targeted at market men, aimed at addressing stereotypes and promoting responsible behaviour.

    Adeniyi said reported cases of male abuse have soared significantly in recent years, rising from about 300 cases in previous years to nearly 8,000 in 2025.

    The executive secretary said the surge showed that more men were finding the courage to seek help and share their experiences.

    The convener of the event, Elder Adedini Oluropo, highlighted the emotional and psychological pressures men face.

    He noted that their trauma is often overlooked while men’s reports on violence are frequently dismissed.

    The convener urged men to communicate openly with their spouses and advised the youth to seek guidance from elders rather than rely solely on social media.

    Also, the Chairman of the UNIAG branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Dr. Razak Ademola Yusuf, hailed DSVA for broadening the conversation to include men.

    He emphasised that violence against men is real and must be addressed to achieve balance. The union leader urged male survivors to report their experiences and seek support rather than suffer in silence.

    DSVA and UNILAG promised that the awareness walk would become an annual event to promote men’s mental health and encourage reporting of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

  • Lagos steps up fight against workplace harassment

    Lagos steps up fight against workplace harassment

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called for stronger institutional policies and collaboration to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the workplace.

    The agency made the call during a symposium with the theme: “The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace,” held at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

    The event brought together over 130 professionals from the banking, oil and gas, hospitality, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and trade union sectors.

    Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said sexual and gender-based violence was not only a human rights violation but also a major economic challenge.

    She said: “SGBV is not just a social or moral issue; it has economic consequences. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Nigeria loses an estimated $3 billion annually, about one per cent of its economic output, due to gender-based violence.”

    Vivour-Adeniyi noted that a recent DSVA survey involving 549 professionals revealed that over 70 per cent had experienced workplace harassment, 89.3 per cent knew someone affected, while only 4.5 per cent had never encountered such misconduct.

    “These numbers show that SGBV is not a distant issue. It is happening in workplaces across Lagos State, affecting productivity, mental health, and economic growth,” she said.

    She emphasised that preventing and addressing workplace harassment required the collective effort of government, employers, and employees to create safe, inclusive environments where workers can thrive.

    Also speaking, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to advocacy and awareness on workplace harassment.

    She said: “We must continue to educate and empower employees to speak up and ensure organisations upheld zero-tolerance policies against harassment.”

    Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, described SGBV as both an economic and societal challenge.

    She said the House would continue to strengthen existing legal frameworks to protect vulnerable workers and promote dignity in the workplace.

    Keynote speaker and founder of the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. Kemi Ibru, stressed the negative impact of harassment on workplace productivity.

    Read Also: Dangote cautions against using ‘cry of monopoly’ to discourage indigenous investment

    She said: “Workplace harassment affects not only the victims but also the entire organisation. We must ensure survivor support systems and accountability mechanisms are in place.”

    A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo featured contributions from Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere (Nikky) Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, who shared practical strategies for prevention and response.

    The symposium also witnessed the launch of the Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, which was described as a pioneering framework for promoting safer and more inclusive organisations across the state.

    Consultant Psychiatrist and Chief Executive Officer of Redimed Consulting Services, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, gave the vote of thanks, appreciating partners and participants for their commitment to advancing the fight against SGBV.

    She said: “Sexual and gender-based violence concerns everyone. Together, we can create workplaces that are safe, respectful and productive.”

  • DSVA engages magistrates

    DSVA engages magistrates

    Executive Secretary Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi has stressed the determination of the state and the agency to quell the menace of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) to the barest minimum.

    The DSVA Executive Secretary stated this during a 2- day engagement of 60 Magistrates on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in it’s continuous fight against the menace in the state.

    In her address, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi noted that SGBV remains one of the most pressing challenges faced as a state and as a nation.

    She lamented  that  violation of human rights cuts across age, gender, and socio-economic status, leaving in its Wakefield devastating physical, psychological, and emotional scars.

    She stressed further that “The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to eradicating SGBV.

    “The establishment of our gency is a testament to this commitment, as we strive to provide a coordinated response to incidents of domestic and sexual violence, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary support and that perpetrators are held accountable”, she said.

    Read Also: How Nigeria and developing countries can leverage cryptonomics

    She averred that the success of the agency’s efforts hinges significantly on the role of the judiciary.

    “Magistrates, as the first point of contact in the justice system for many survivors, play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice is not only served but is seen to be served.

    “Your decisions, your sensitivity to the plight of survivors, and your commitment to upholding the rule of law are critical in shaping the outcomes of SGBV cases”, she said.

    She told the participants that the engagement serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration, share insights, and address the challenges that hinder the effective prosecution of SGBV cases and an opportunity to align strategies, enhance capacities, and reaffirm collective resolve to create a Lagos State where every individual can live free from fear and violence.

     The magistrates were urged to use the platform to share best practices and to explore innovative approaches that will enable delivery of justice more efficiently and compassionately.

    She said by assuring that the Agency and Judiciary can build a justice system that not only punishes offenders but also empowers survivors and deters future occurrences of SGBV.

    Facilitators at the engagement were Mrs Atinuke Odukoya who took Overview of Sexual   and Gender based Violence, Dr Babajide Martins took the topic Role of Magistrates in implementing relevant SGBV laws while Mrs Juliet Olumuyiwa Rufai took them on Psychology of Survivors/perpetrators, the referral pathway for GBV cases while group discussions rounded off the engagement.

  • DSVA, UK parliament to share legislative instruments on SGBV

    DSVA, UK parliament to share legislative instruments on SGBV

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and UK Parliament have agreed to share legislative instruments that regulate the UK’s response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

    The decision was taken last week when a delegate of the UK Parliament paid a courtesy visit to the agency in Lagos.

    The Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her welcome address,  gave  credence to the fact that the Lagos State Government had made significant strides in combating Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

    She further noted the need for Strengthening Global Partnerships and preferred the engagement with distinguished members of the UK Parliament as a moment that presents a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore areas for collaboration in the fight against domestic and sexual violence.

    During the visit, the Head, Case Management of the agency, Mrs Tumininu Oni, gave an overview of the DSVA’s work and achievement in a presentation she made.

    An interactive session ensued during which one of the Parliamentarians, Becky Cooper enquired about the modalities and usage of the Sexual Offenders Register whilst the Head Public Affairs  of UK office, Mr. Wale Adebajo, reiterated the existing collaboration between the British High Commission and the DSVA.

    The leader of the team, Kate Osamor while commending the agency, promised to share legislative instruments that regulate the UK’s response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

    Read Also: Religious leaders, CSOs call for urgent climate action in Nigeria

    The session was wrapped up with commendation  remarks for the Lagos DSVA Team for the work done for survivors of SGBV in the state.

    The UK Parliament team which consisted of Jacob Loose,  Magdalene El Beleidi, Kate Osamor, David Mundell, Fred Thomas, Becky Cooper, Karen Bradley, Jonny Oates were taken on a tour of the DSVA Facility and presented with souvenirs before their departure.

    …DSVA celebrates International Women’s Day 2025

    In a related development, the DSVA, in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC)-supported by the European Union and    implemented by International IDEA hosted the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebration for last Friday.

    The event, with the theme: Accelerate Action, focused on taking immediate steps to promote gender equality, protect women’s rights, and challenge societal norms that hinder progress was hosted by Dr. Gbonjubola Babalola- Abiri; a leading voice in mental health advocacy and gender-based violence prevention.

    The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs Titi Vivour-Adeniyi, in her welcome address, noted that the International Women’s Day, is a day dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and triumphs of women around the world, especially the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    She said the day  also signified a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made  and the challenges that persist in achieving gender equality.

    “It is a day that amplifies the voices of survivors, highlights the gaps in legal protections and social responses, and calls for continued action to combat sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms”, she said.

    In her call to action, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised that we must continue advocating for policies that protect women and girls, strengthen support systems for survivors, educate communities to break the cycle of violence and empower women economically to reduce vulnerabilities to abuse.

    The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, an internationally recognised gender advocate and founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF).

    Dr. DaSilva-Ibru stated that collective action is critical and that no one can tackle gender inequality alone.

    According to her, education and awareness must be prioritised to shift societal perceptions about women’s roles. Women need safe spaces and mental health support to heal from trauma.

    The panel progressed into a panel session on ‘Conversations on Accelerating Action towards Gender Equality. The panel session was made up of experts such as Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire; an expert in couples therapy,sex therapy and mental health, Mrs. Betty Abah; Founder of Cee Hope Foundation, Mr. Jubril Yakubu; Director Human Integration, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and was moderated by Mrs. Debola Oni; a lawyer and founder of Gracie’ Place Shelter.

    The panelists provided insights into topics such as the ‘the Power of the Mind in Gender Advocacy, Community Led Advocacy for Women’s Rights, The Role of Boys and Men in Promoting Gender Equality and the Power of Grassroots Mobilisation. 

    The event included a pilates and wellness session led by Ms. Oyinkan Talabi to promote mental and physical well-being, reinforcing the importance of self-care for women.

    During the last session of the event, the participants emphasised that achieving progress in gender equality includes multi-faceted approaches that includes education and awareness and economic and financial reforms.

    The International Women’s Day Celebration reinforced the need for immediate action in achieving gender equality.