Lagos seeks collective action against domestic, sexual violence
The Lagos State Government has called for collective action to tackle domestic and sexual violence in the state.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call at the Governor’s Commendation Night, organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Tawakalitu Toriola, Founder, Oasis Mediation and Solicitors, said tackling domestic and sexual violence should go beyond government efforts.
He said sustained collaboration among stakeholders was needed to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and build safer communities.
The governor said the event, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, aimed to inspire more people to end violence.
The Attorney-General of Lagos, Mr Lawal Pedro, commended the awardees and partners for strengthening the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence.
The Attorney-General was represented by Mrs Folashade Anibaba-Bossman, the Director of Advisory Services, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
Pedro, who is also the Commissioner for Justice, said collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders was important.
He said sustained collaboration would ensure survivors had access to justice and other necessary support.
The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the Annual Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night recognised individuals and organisations contributing to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Vivour-Adeniyi said police officers, social workers, health workers, non-governmental organisations and education officers were among those recognised for going beyond the call of duty.
She said the recognition was also aimed at encouraging responders to continue their work, describing it as a largely thankless task.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the state government had put various services in place to provide holistic support for survivors and assist them on their recovery journey.
She said survivors could access psychosocial support from clinical psychologists at no cost, including up to six therapy sessions.
According to her, survivors could also access free legal support through DSVA lawyers, the Office of the Public Defender and participating private law firms.
She said high-risk survivors could access empowerment support through the state’s trust fund for relocation, accommodation, setting up businesses or expanding existing businesses.
“If you are a survivor, we want you to know that there are options available for you.
“The government is ready to support you, but we can only support you when you break the culture of silence, when you speak up and speak out,” the executive secretary said.
She said workers responding to domestic and sexual violence cases were exposed to occupational hazards, particularly vicarious or secondary trauma.
Vivour-Adeniyi said protecting the mental wellbeing of responders was important to ensure traumatic experiences did not affect their ability to assist survivors.
She said the year’s activities placed greater emphasis on prevention, in line with the state’s recently launched Gender-Based Violence Prevention Policy.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the state government had provided legal support, shelter, rescue interventions and other critical services to survivors over the past five years.
She urged survivors to speak out to enable government and relevant institutions provide the needed support.
Sanwo-Olu was honoured as the Lagos State Champion Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at the ceremony.
Other award recipients included the Festac Family Support Unit, Family Social Services, Kosofe Local Government; Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre, Somolu General Hospital and the Walk Against Rape and Indirect Discrimination Foundation.
Each award recipient received a letter signed by the governor, a plaque and a cash gift of N1 million.