Lagos State has heightened its commitment to eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through strategic engagement with the judiciary, with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) convening a session with 60 Magistrates from across the State
Speaking at the event held in Ikeja, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the DSVA, emphasized the critical need for a united and decisive front in the fight against SGBV, which she described as one of the most pressing and complex challenges confronting the State and the nation at large.
In her address, Vivour-Adeniyi underlined that SGBV is not just a human rights violation but a social evil that cuts across all demographics, leaving deep physical, psychological, and emotional scars on its victims.
She remarked, “The Lagos State Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to eradicating SGBV.
“The establishment of our Agency 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.”
Vivour-Adeniyi also stressed the invaluable role of the judiciary, particularly Magistrates, in the fight against SGBV.
The DSVA Executive Secretary further stated that the purpose of the engagement was to enhance collaboration between the Agency and the judiciary, addressing the challenges faced in prosecuting SGBV cases and reinforcing the shared commitment to a violence-free Lagos.
She said that the platform would also serve to align strategies, boost judicial capacity, and reaffirm the collective resolve to create a society where every individual can live free from fear and violence.
