By KP Reporter
The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has called on men to take an active role in combating sexual and domestic violence in the state. The call was made during the ‘Eko Men Walk Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence’ on Monday at Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The event, themed “SGBV, Not In My Lagos! SGBV, Not On My Watch!”, was part of the activities marking the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, emphasized the importance of engaging men in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“In our bid to ensure that we are engaging with the male folk, we thought it was expedient to organise this walk, which is being led by men, to speak to their fellow men, to speak to women about these critical issues,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.
She stressed that the campaign was launched in Ajeromi Ifelodun due to the increasing reports of child abuse cases in the area, highlighting recent incidents where children suffered extreme abuse, including one case where a father used a hot iron on his son. These alarming cases prompted DSVA to take a proactive approach by engaging the community.
“We want to let them know that these abuses attract jail terms, and ignorance of the law is definitely not an excuse,” Vivour-Adeniyi stated, adding that the agency offers support services for victims of abuse.
The sensitization walk underscores the Lagos State Government’s zero tolerance for SGBV, with Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi urging residents to break the culture of silence that allows such violence to persist. She highlighted that there has been a steady increase in reports of SGBV cases, a sign that the awareness campaigns are making an impact.
Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Mr. Fatai Ayoola, praised the state government for its efforts, pledging that the message of the walk would be spread throughout the community to promote violence-free homes.