The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (SGBV) has embarked on a sensitization campaign across Sogunle, Mafoluku and Oshodi communities of the State.
Speaking on the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Ms. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi explained that community outreach is part of the collaborative effort against ending all forms of abuse and violence.
The Executive Secretary revealed that issues of violence are on the front burner of the State Government’s policy action, as such there is a need for continuous engagement with the public.
While revealing that the intervention has reawakened the consciousness of people on the fight against violence, Ms. Vivour-Adeniyi pointed out that the Agency’s engagement with the communities has been able to address key issues on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence including Domestic Abuse, Child Neglect, Consent, Rape and Defilement.
According to her, SGBV and all forms of abuse are still grappling with issues that the State Government had continued to harp on through its Zero Tolerance stance. We have to do all we can as people of a civilised society to put an end to it.
In his remark, the Community Engagement Officer of the Agency, Ms. Kafayat Salami disclosed that the campaign was also used to enlighten the public on the position of the law on SGBV and to warn intending perpetrators of the fate that awaits them.
“The law does not entertain pleas based on ignorance as perpetrators are either liable to life imprisonment or 25 years or more if found guilty”, she emphasised.
Stressing that the state government has provided various free support services including medical and legal assistance, empowerment programmes, psycho-social support, rescue and shelter to manage incidents of domestic violence.
Representatives of the communities appreciated the advocacy team for bringing the zero messages to the people, assuring that the government of continuous support as Mandated Reporters and report all forms of abuse through the toll-free line: 08000333333.
The Chairman of Oshodi Central CDA, Mr. Okanlawon Yusuf Jide; Chairpersons of Mafoluku and Sogunle CDA, Mr. Ogunsanya and Chief A.R. Morenikeji were all in attendance at the event.
