The Lagos State Government has trained leaders of disability communities on their rights and how to combat domestic and sexual violence.
EpeInsights gathered that the two-day capacity-building workshop was organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with theMrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and International IDEA.
It was held in Ikeja and brought together representatives from various disability clusters including persons living with albinism, visual and hearing impairments, and dwarfism.
Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the initiative was aimed at equipping participants with legal knowledge on gender-based violence and the protective frameworks that support persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“This training is tailored to empower cluster leaders with accurate information on sexual and gender-based violence, the laws that protect them, and referral pathways available to survivors. Our goal is to build trust and encourage timely reporting,” she said.
She noted that PWDs remain particularly vulnerable to violence and abuse, stressing the importance of making information accessible and actionable.
“It is important for them to know what to do, where to go, and who to call when such incidents occur. We are ensuring they know about the free services provided by the state, including medical care and legal support,” she added.
Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that the agency has recorded a steady increase in reports of abuse involving PWDs — from 11 reported cases in 2022 to 25 in 2023 — a result she attributed to continuous engagement and awareness-building.
“With more awareness, we expect to see further increase in formal reporting. Our ultimate aim is to embed a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of abuse across Lagos,” she said.
General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, described the training as a much-needed initiative that expands access to justice for PWDs. She urged victims not to stay silent but to seek help and report violations.
“These conversations are rare, yet essential. We hope to see more of such engagements that put people with disabilities at the centre of advocacy and policy conversations,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Abimbola Ushie, who represented the State Resource and Admin component of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme implemented by International IDEA, said empowering PWDs to understand their rights is the most effective form of advocacy.
“People with disabilities are the best advocates for their own needs. They understand their challenges, and trainings like this give them the voice and tools to speak up,” she said.
Participants at the workshop commended the government and its partners for the initiative, describing it as timely and empowering. They called for more frequent, inclusive programmes that spotlight disability rights and strengthen support structures for survivors.
