Lagos inaugurates committee to curb sexual, domestic violence

The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has inaugurated the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), aimed at curbing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, at the inauguration on Monday, said the initiative marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots mechanisms to combat SGBV.

Vivour-Adeniyi, who was represented by the Community Engagement Officer, DSVA, Ms Adetoun Odumbo, said the primary objective of the CDC was to reinforce community-level structures.

She said the community-level structures would identify, response, and ensure appropriate referral of SGBV cases.

According to her, this strategic approach aims to embed support systems within local communities, to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The inauguration event convened approximately 50 representatives from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

She said the composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders, including respected traditional, community, and religious leaders

“The composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders like representatives from women’s groups, designated youth leaders and advocates for survivors of SGBV.

“They also include representatives from the health sector, education sector and ward-level representatives from the DSVA or Local Government Area (LGA) Gender Desk Officers,” the executive secretary said.

Also speaking, the Head of Community Engagement, DSVA, Mr Damilare Adewusi, said the roles and responsibilities entrusted to the CDC members included facilitating community dialogues to raise awareness and address SGBV.

Adewusi said the role of the CDC also included offering immediate and confidential support to survivors, identifying potential cases of violence and ensuring their proper referral to relevant authorities.

He said committee’s role included maintaining accurate, confidential documentation of reported incidents and serving as official liaison officers between their respective communities and the DSVA.

The inaugurated members for Mushin LGA included Community Leader: Mr Femi Okuyemi; Women’s Group Representative: Mrs Adebisi; Youth Leader: Mr Kayode Famodu; Survivors’ Advocate: Ms Anu Okuyemi and Health and Education Representative: Ms Fasanya Omotoyosi.

The inaugurated members for Odi-Olowo LCDA included the Traditional Ruler: High Chief O.A. Oladunjoye Anibaba (Baale of Igbari Odi-Olowo); and Women’s Group Representative: Chief Mrs Mufuliat Adebunmi (Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo)

Also the Youth Leader: Mr Gbenga Falaye; Survivors’ Advocate: Mr Lanre Elegbeleye and the Health and Education Representative: Mrs Folashade Jonad

Participants at the inauguration expressed their profound appreciation to the DSVA for its sustained efforts in promoting a zero-tolerance stance against SGBV.

They further encouraged the agency to continue expanding its vital advocacy and intervention programmes across all communities within Lagos State.

(NAN)