The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has intensified its grassroots advocacy with a sensitisation programme aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence across communities in Lagos State.
Epe Insights reports that the awareness campaign was held in Oloko Community in Iju-Ishaga and Ifesowapo Community in Ijaye as part of the agency’s continuous effort to promote safety and accountability.
Officials from the Community Engagement Department of the agency led the sensitisation programme for residents and community leaders.
Among the facilitators were Akinde Emmanuel and Tolani Adegboyega, who engaged participants in discussions on the various forms of abuse.
During the session, the facilitators explained that abuse can take different forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence.
They stressed that understanding these forms of abuse is an important step in preventing violence within families and communities.
The officials also educated participants on the support services available for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Residents were informed that survivors can access counselling, legal guidance and other forms of assistance through the agency.
The team also provided information on the appropriate reporting channels available to victims and witnesses.
Participants were encouraged to promptly report any suspected case of abuse through the DSVA toll-free line, 08000-333-333.
The agency emphasized that early reporting helps ensure that victims receive immediate assistance and protection.
Residents were also urged to share the information with others in their communities who were unable to attend the sensitisation programme.
The awareness campaign highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing abuse and protecting vulnerable members of society.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative and commended the agency for bringing the sensitisation programme to their areas.
The Baale of Oloko Community, Chief Mathew Oloko, expressed appreciation to the agency for organizing the outreach.
He described the programme as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening community awareness on issues relating to abuse and violence.
According to him, sexual and gender-based violence remains a long-standing challenge that requires continuous education and advocacy.
Another community leader, Chief Wahab Saliu Adisa, also thanked the agency for engaging directly with residents at the grassroots level.
He encouraged the DSVA team to continue collaborating with other organizations and institutions to expand the reach of the campaign.
Community members who attended the session also expressed appreciation for the information shared during the engagement.
Many participants noted that the sensitisation helped them better understand the warning signs of abuse and how to respond appropriately.
The programme recorded active participation from more than 25 residents who attended the session.
Observers noted that the strong turnout reflected the community’s growing interest in promoting safety and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The engagement further strengthened collaboration between the agency and community leaders in preventing violence.
Officials emphasized that community awareness plays a key role in reducing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reaffirmed its commitment to expanding sensitisation programmes across Lagos communities.
Through continuous advocacy and public education, the agency hopes to build a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of abuse.
