Stakeholders in the justice sector have called for an adoption of best legal practices, balanced interest and rights on cases of sexual and gender based violence in LagosState.
They include the Director, Public Prosecution (DPP) Dr. Babajide Martins; representative of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Mary Anyim; Director, Family Social Services, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Babajide Akinremi; Centre Manager, MIRABEL Centre, Mrs. Juliet Olumuyiwa Rufai and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba.
They shared their experience in tackling the vice at a symposium organised by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The theme was: “Tales of a Survivor”.
The stakeholders, while sharing their different perspectives on the issue, also agreed on the slogan “it was on all of us” to ensure and sustain the sensitisation and awareness campaign which would enable the public to be aware of their rights.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State who was represented by Justice Sherifat Solebo recommended, among others, that teleconferencing, virtual hearings proceedings, giving evidence behind the screen and video links, leveraging technology should be allowed and incorporated for speedy hearing and adjudication of sexual violence cases.
He urged the Police to engage officers on training on the best ways sexual cases brought to their stations should be handled.
Justice Solebo, who is also the Chairperson, Family Court, Lagos Judiciary, also implored the DSVA to look into time scheduling and make recommendations.
She highlighted the need for a court annexed mediation centre for domestic violence cases and cases involving underage offenders.
She stressed the importance of ensuring protection of witnesses and victims or Survivors of offences particularly in the domestic and sexual related offences.
She noted that the public stigmatisation has affected their trust in the system, discouraging victims and survivors from coming forward.
The Executive Secretary (ES), DSVA, Mrs Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the event was part of the agency’s efforts to contribute to the response to sexual and gender based violence, stressing that every September 20 has been designated “Symposium Day”.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the symposium would avail selected survivors an opportunity to share their experiences as a feedback mechanism, identify and examine common issues hindering successful case management, examine policies, the justice system and challenges and proffer solutions, inform and implement new policies for improved services.
The ES described that domestic and sexual violence cases as crimes against the state.
She stated further that the state government has designated some Police Stations where domestic and sexual violence cases could be reported.
While informing that the agency was scaling up services, Vivour-Adeniyi said the governor recently approved the establishment of a shelter in Ikorodu.