Lagos engages APWECON to curb domestic, sexual violence during marriages

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency ( DSVA) has engaged members of the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON), known as Alaga Ijoko/Iduro on their role in preventing the menace of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the State.

Executive Secretary, DSVA Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi at the event held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium on Monday, told newsmen that the Agency was embarking on sustainable and proactive programmes in its fight against the menace of SGBV and that engaging APWECON was one of them.

Vivour-Adeniyi said that statistics had shown that marriage contracted under customary law and traditional practices was one of the preferred forms of solemnization where the Alaga’s strategic and influential role while interfacing with intending couples and attending participants, could not be undermined.

“Statistics from our Agency reveal that over 75% of clients reporting matrimonial abuses had prior knowledge of the pre-existing abusive behaviour of their partner but proceeded with the union for various reasons. 70% of these survivors submitted to customary law and marriage.

“We intend to infuse advocacy around domestic violence into the existing traditional marriage ceremonies conducted by Alagas in Lagos, this would have far-reaching effects,” he said.

“This has birthed this programme “Idile Alayo” which among other things keeps many abreast of the growing trend of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence issues in Lagos State.

“We use this medium to implore you to use your influence in the course of officiating traditional unions to advocate against Domestic Violence and preach the Zero tolerance message. Together, we can salvage our State from this destructive menace,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

The APWECON Governor, Mrs. Matilda Ajibola Shipeolu in her goodwill message said the event was a welcome initiative to boost their roles as comperes as well as ensure a firm and strong foundation for a violence-free home.

She said the association had always taken it as a priority to address sexual and gender-based violence issues before, during, and after marriage for couples.

Sipeolu stressed that the training had improved their knowledge of new techniques on how to reduce domestic violence in society.

Facilitators, Taiwo Akinlami, Head Field Operations- Oluwakemi Bello, Head Case Management, Tumininu Oni took participants through the role of culture and tradition in preventing sexual and gender-based violence; SGBV, forms and consequences; and Introduction to Idile Alayo.

The revised programme of events put together by the DSVA for an all-inclusive officiating session, as well as the information cards to be given to couples, was given to the participants at the event.