The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has sensitized over 100 participants on key issues surrounding SGBV during a community engagement session in Lagos Island.
EpeInsights gathered that the engagement which was held at the Justice, Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Island, on April 10, 2025, is a continued effort to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Lagos State.
The audience included over 80 JDPC members and 35 students, comprising men, women, teenagers, and children. The event aimed to educate the public on identifying, preventing, and reporting various forms of SGBV.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mr. Damilare Adewusi, Head of Community Engagement, delivered an impactful presentation that shed light on the different forms and effects of SGBV, as well as the broader issue of child abuse.
Mr. Adewusi emphasized the crucial role of parents and guardians in safeguarding children, clearly outlining the line between discipline and abuse. “Discipline becomes abuse when it involves harm, deprivation, or the infliction of pain beyond correction,” he explained.
The session featured a vibrant question-and-answer segment, where Mr. Adewusi addressed concerns raised by attendees, offering clarity and practical advice on how to respond to suspected SGBV cases.
Coordinator of the JDPC, Mr. Simeon Fashanu, commended the DSVA for its proactive approach, while Secretary Mr. Agboola Wesley delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the Lagos State Government for its commitment to tackling SGBV at the grassroots level.
As part of the outreach, the DSVA distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to participants, equipping them with tools to recognize and report abuse. Attendees were also urged to memorize the agency’s toll-free helpline, 08000-333-333, for quick access to support and reporting services.
This sensitization drive is part of the agency’s broader strategy to raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of SGBV in Lagos State.
The DSVA reaffirmed its dedication to protecting vulnerable groups and fostering safer communities through continuous public education and stakeholder collaboration.
