Lagos State government, through the State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA),has disclosed that the agency recorded about 24,955 gender-based sexual violence in the state from 2019 till date.
In a bid to curb the worrisome trend, the state government said it has concluded plans to embark on massive advocacy campaigns across the local government areas of the state.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, and the executive secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, revealed this at a media parley to commemorate the domestic and sexual violence awareness month and award night held at Alausa, Ikeja.
The 2024 programme is themed: “Not On My Watch.”
Pedro, represented by acting solicitor-general and permanent secretary, Hameed Oyenuga, decried the rising cases of sexual-based violence involving both sexes in the state.
“The theme of this year is based on the compelling need to ensure that Lagosians realise that ending the menace of sexual and gender-based violence is indeed a collective effort, which requires the support and collaboration of all members of society.
“We therefore intend to engage all demographics, including men, women and children,” he said.
To commemorate the month, he said the agency will be holding the ‘Turn Alausa Purple’ campaign which would be preceded by a circular from the Head of Service, directing all public servants to adorn purple colour on September 2, to kickstart the month at the Secretariat Gate, Alausa, House of Assembly Gate and the Old Secretariat simultaneously.
He said, others include, “Advocacy walks against domestic and sexual violence. The walk takes place at local governments where there is low reporting of cases. This would involve the paramount traditional rulers, community leaders, market men and women, religious clerics and other relevant stakeholders in the community.
“The Advocacy walk is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and the purpose of the advocacy walk is to educate and sensitise the citizens and residents of the State on the issues of SGBV and the available services that the state has to offer in curbing the menace.
“This walk will take place from Ile-Zik along the local airport area to Ipodo Market at the Computer Village and within the Ikeja local government.”
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