1st October, 2024
The Lagos State Government has underscored the critical need for additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to enhance support for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu articulated this necessity during the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, hosted by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Monday in Ikeja.
The event carried the theme “SGBV, Not On My Watch,” reflecting the urgent call to action against this pervasive issue.
Represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Governor noted that while there are currently three SARCs operational in the state, the growing population demands more.
“With 20 local governments and a population exceeding 20 million, three centres are simply insufficient,” he stated.
“The demand for services is significant, given the volume of cases we are dealing with,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the increasing willingness of individuals to speak out and report SGBV cases, highlighting the effective utilization of the sex offenders’ register.
“The blame and shame game is in full swing, and we are seeing progress,” he said..
He said since the establishment of the DSVA in 2014, the Lagos State Government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to providing holistic support for victims of domestic and sexual violence while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that SGBV is one of the gravest barriers to achieving gender equality and reaffirmed the government’s stance against such acts within the state.
“The theme for the 2024 activities, ‘SGBV, Not On My Watch,’ is more than just a slogan; it is a rallying cry for collective action against this menace,” he stated.
He urged the involvement of everyone—religious leaders, community heads, families, and individuals—in the fight against SGBV, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility, not solely that of the government or the agency.
Sanwo-Olu pledged that his administration would continue to strengthen legal frameworks and support systems while working to dismantle the culture of silence that enables abuse to persist.
He affirmed that his government would invest in initiatives aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, including women, children, and marginalized groups.
In her remarks, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, revealed that the agency has handled over 25,000 cases over the past decade.
She noted that sustained advocacy efforts have resulted in a direct correlation between increased awareness and higher reporting rates of SGBV incidents.
“We are gradually breaking the culture of silence and encouraging individuals to speak up. It has been a remarkable journey, and we have seen increased faith in the system,” she said.
The event, organized to conclude the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month programmes, was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Notable attendees included traditional rulers such as His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen OrinAdegun Kasalli, the Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, and the Olu of Agboyi 1, among others.
Also present were Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and heads of various agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale, and AIG Adegoke Fayoade.
Awards were presented to several outstanding contributors in the fight against SGBV, including Igbogbo Family Support Unit for Best Family Support Unit (FSU), Ipaja Primary Health Centre for Best Health Facility, Badagry General Hospital for Health Facility Recognition, and Gracie’s Place as an exemplary NGO service provider.
The Centre for Women’s Health Initiative was acknowledged for its advocacy awareness efforts, while Alimosho received recognition for Family Social Services. District 2 was celebrated as the Most Responsive Education District.
