The Lagos State Government’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency launched “16 Days of Activism” on Friday to end sexual and gender-based violence in the state (SGBV).
Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) launched the initiative in Ikeja.
She emphasised the need to address SGBV because of the catastrophic effects it may have on victims and communities.
This global movement begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and continues for 16 days until December 10, Human Rights Day.
Viviour-Adeniyi claimed that the campaign would x-ray 16 crucial strategies to mitigate and handle the pressing concerns of SGBV that individuals and communities face, a resulting consequence which, in most cases, is damaging to the good.
She noted that each of the 16 Days of Activism would be loaded with new hope, to be presented by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
She says that a walk for advocacy will be held in Epe, and 3,000 kids will be involved in discussions on stopping child abuse.
Other examples of community engagement activities include door-to-door outreach, market fiestas, and youth outreach.
” We also take this opportunity to display the many interventions of the state under the skilled leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu.
” Some of the interventions include the provision of shelter for survivors of domestic violence, introduction of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Trust funds, and the provision of 24/7 access to free legal, psychosocial, rescue and counselling services.
” Also, the introduction of the Sexual Intervention Trust Fund now provides access to free medical attention to survivors of domestic and sexual assault at authorised government facilities.
” We use this medium to reiterate the state government’s zero tolerance for all sexual and gender-based violence.”
She urged anyone who has experienced sexual or gender-based violence to come out and seek help by calling the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency at its 24-hour hotline, 08000 333 333.
The agency’s top official has stated that preventative actions are the best method to deal with SGBV problems.
She explained that DSVA had launched several advocacy programmes to decrease SGBV drastically.
Viviour-Adeniyi said the organisation would use the 16 Days of Activism, an annual global movement, to promote dialogue and action around ending gender-based violence.