The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has documented 41 cases of Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (TFSGBV), spotlighting an emerging and critical threat in the state’s fight against gender-based abuse.
EpeInsights reports that in a proactive move to address the rising trend, the agency on Tuesday launched a sensitization and advocacy programme for secondary school students under the theme “Technology and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)”.
The event, held in Education District 5, brought together 100 students and teachers from schools including Ojo Senior High School, Ojo Junior High School, Community Senior and Junior Secondary School, and Lagos State Senior and Junior Model College, Ojo, along with the District Counsellor.
Representing the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, were Ms. Adetoun Odumbo and Mr. Damilare Adewusi, who delivered the welcome address and keynote message respectively.
Mr. Adewusi emphasized the need for digital vigilance and responsibility, urging students to become ambassadors of change by raising awareness about online forms of sexual and gender-based violence within their schools and communities.
“Technology has created opportunities for communication, but it has also given rise to new forms of abuse. We must all be vigilant, responsible, and proactive in addressing these threats,” he said.
During the interactive session facilitated by Mr. Adewusi, students learned about different manifestations of technology-facilitated SGBV, including cyberbullying, image-based abuse, online grooming, and digital harassment.
He also reiterated the importance of the DSVA’s toll-free line as a confidential channel for reporting incidents and seeking assistance.
Delivering the closing remarks, Ms. Adeoti, representing the District Counsellor, lauded the DSVA for its timely intervention and commended the students for their active participation.
The sensitization initiative reinforces the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward sexual and gender-based violence and reflects the DSVA’s ongoing efforts to combat emerging digital threats through advocacy, education and community engagement.
