It is every resident’s duty to report sexual or domestic violence, because tackling domestic violence could only succeed when cases were quickly reported by witnesses or victims.

According to Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem, it is apparent that to make great progress in the fight against domestic violence, all hands must be on deck to fight the menace.

Kazeem urged every Lagos residents to join hands with government in saving lives, stressing the need for enlightening of every individual on their role in curbing the menace.

He said the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, would not relent in its bid to tackle the problem, through walks, seminars, projects and initiatives.

According to him, DSVRT aims to equip every member of the society with the requisite knowledge and tact to adequately respond to incidents of domestic and sexual violence, as everyone is a mandated reporter.

Kazeem spoke at a ‘Commendation evening’ and premiere of a movie, Surviving, to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, saying Surviving was produced to help drive the message home.

He said the movie examines domestic violence, and addresses the misconceptions that lead to silence by victims.

Kazeem said the commendation evening was to provide opportunity to honour and celebrate individuals, professionals, agencies and organisations that have exhibited stellar commitment in the fight against sexual and gender based violence in the state.

He spoke through Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Funlola Odunlami, this has inspired the theme for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month twenty-eighteen, which is: Securing the home against violence everyone’s responsibility.

Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal said his men would continue to support the state in the fight sexual and domestic violence, saying reporting domestic violence was part of community policing.

Edgal said the command had set up ten offices for reporting incidents of domestic and sexual violence, saying the command would respond promptly to all incidents reported.

He described DSVRT as one of those organisations that was passionate about fighting and ending the menace.

Edgal who spoke through Deputy Commissioner of Police, Yetunde Longe, said Community Policing was more of partnership with the community, saying if you see something, say something.

Awards were given to those who have contibuted to efforts to deal with domestic violence in the state.

Pastor Jegede Busola was honoured as the Most Effective Mandated Reporter, Project Alert won the Most Efficient Non-Govermental Organisation, award, MTN and Airtel got the Most Supportive Corporate Organisation awards.

Ogudu Primary Healthcare Centre was the Most Effective Healthcare Facility, Chief K. N. Ndukwu & Co. was the Most Effective Pro-Bono counsel.

Alimosho Family Social Service was the Most Committed Family Social Service, Ketu Family Support Unit was the Most Effective and Responsive Family Support Unit of the Lagos State Police Command .

Dr Babajide Martins bagged DSVRT’s Special Recognition Award.