Lagos DSVA urges community leaders to combat SGBV
In a push to address and prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Lagos, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called on community leaders to take a proactive role in tackling this pervasive issue.
During a high-impact training session held in Ikeja, the DSVA underscored the vital role of community leaders in reporting and addressing SGBV incidents with impartiality and commitment.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has issued a clarion call to community leaders, urging them to champion the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with diligence and fairness.
The call came during a one-day training event held on Tuesday in Ikeja, titled “Community Leaders: Flag Bearers in the Fight against SGBV.”
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the critical role community leaders play in the struggle against SGBV.
Represented by Damilare Adewusi, Head of the Community Engagement Department, Vivour-Adeniyi stated, “Community leaders are flag bearers in the fight against SGBV by virtue of their positions.”
She highlighted that these leaders are pivotal in addressing and preventing SGBV, influencing community responses and shaping policies.
Adding to this, the Head of the Case Management Unit at DSVA, Timininu Oni, pointed out that gender-based violence impacts everyone, either directly or indirectly. Oni described SGBV as rooted in gender inequality, patriarchy, and power imbalances, stating, “Gender-based violence is any violence which targets individuals or groups based on their genders.”
Head of the Legal Department of DSVA, Yetunde Odekunle, elaborated on the legal framework protecting against SGBV in Lagos State. She outlined key laws such as the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, 2015; the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015; and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
Odekunle asserted, “These laws are not just to protect women but also men, boys, and girls against domestic violence.”
Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Azeez Amusat, praised the training for enhancing community leaders’ understanding of issues related to sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.
Amusat noted, “The training has given community leaders more knowledge about sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and domestic violence within communities.”
