The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, has rallied students at the Lagos State University, LASU, to report cases of sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, during the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

At the campus activation programme, its Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the urgency of creating a safe environment, “Silence is complicit,” she stressed, urging students to speak out against abuse.

The event aimed to foster a culture of safety and support among students. “Silence is complicit,” she asserted, urging the LASU community to actively report incidents of abuse.

Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the DSVA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding individuals through proactive measures beyond mere awareness campaigns, encouraging students and staff to utilise resources, including the toll-free helpline 08000-333-333, to report SGBV cases.

According to her, the State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, is tackling the rising cases of sexual and domestic violence in the state, saying the agency attends to an average of 300 new cases monthly.

In her words; this figure indicates increased faith in the government’s system and a gradual shift away from the culture of silence surrounding these issues.

Since its establishment in September 2014, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team has made significant strides. The team has handled over 10,007 cases involving men, women, and children from May 2019 to August 2021.

These cases include: Domestic Violence: 4150 cases, Rape: 177 cases, Attempted Rape/Sexual Assault: 255 cases, Child Abuse/Physical Assault: 436 cases, Defilement: 271 cases

Vivour-Adeniyi noted that the increase in formal and informal reporting of cases is a testament to the growing confidence in the system, adding that the agency has provided services to over 6,333 survivors, with people becoming more aware of support services available to them.

According to her, the Lagos State Government has declared zero tolerance for all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. With the DSVA’s efforts, the state aims to provide a safer environment for its citizens.

The DSVA has partnered with institutions like the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Office of Education Quality Assurance, and the Joint European Union Funded Spotlight Initiative to promote awareness and provide support services.

By highlighting the progress made and the ongoing efforts to address sexual and domestic violence, the Lagos State Government aims to raise awareness and encourage continued support for survivors.

Vivour-Adeniyi said domestic violence or abuse is also known as “intimate partner violence” and is defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

According to her, the term domestic violence or abuse covers a range of abusive behaviours which includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse which include controlling and coercive behaviour, as it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, disability or even when a relationship has ended.

The agency boss said in Lagos State, domestic violence is defined to mean physical abuse, sexual abuse exploitation including but not limited to rape, incest, and sexual assault; starvation; emotional, verbal and psychological abuse; economic abuse and exploitation; denial of basic education; intimidation; harassment; stalking; hazardous attack including acid bath with offensive and poisonous substance; damage to property among others.

Acting Director of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at LASU, Dr. Igot Ofem, who delivered a goodwill message, reinforced the university’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.

Head of Community Engagement at DSVA, Damilare Adewusi, provided an insightful introduction to the topic of gender-based violence, highlighting its detrimental effects on individuals and communities.

He emphasised the collective responsibility of everyone in preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, sharing warning signs of potential abuse.

Adewusi also outlined practical steps for students facing SGBV, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help.

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Head of Public Affairs at DSVA, Joke Ladenegan Oginni, adorned several LASU staff members with purple ribbons, signifying the institution’s firm stance against SGBV.

The event featured a session led by Adetoun Odumbo from DSVA, who discussed the legal protections available for victims of domestic violence, detailing the significance of existing laws and how they can be leveraged for safety.

Students were once again encouraged to report abuse to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency via the dedicated toll-free number, 08000-333-333.