In a sustained effort to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at the grassroots level, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with Ford Foundation, carried out an extensive door-to-door sensitization campaign in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, Mushin Local Government Area.

The campaign was strategically designed to engage residents directly within their homes, schools, markets, religious centres, and traditional institutions. It aimed to increase awareness of the forms, dangers, and long-term consequences of SGBV, while promoting a collective zero-tolerance culture toward all forms of abuse.

The initiative further reinforced DSVA’s commitment to community-driven prevention, early reporting, and survivor-centred response mechanisms, recognising that sustainable change requires the active participation of all segments of society.

The outreach covered key residential streets across the community, educational institutions including Belgian Schools and Rodiyah Group of Schools, Ojuwoye Market, selected mosques, Community Development Associations, and the traditional institution of the Baale of Ori-Odi-Olowo.

The multiple touchpoints ensured wide community reach and meaningful engagement with diverse groups including residents, traders, students, religious leaders, and community stakeholders.

Through the sensitization exercise, over 25,000 community members were reached and educated on identifying warning signs of SGBV, understanding reporting pathways, and appreciating the social and psychological impacts of abuse.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of early reporting, with participants encouraged to memorise and utilise DSVA’s toll-free helpline, 08000-333-333.

The engagement also helped strengthen community trust in formal reporting systems and survivor support structures.

This impactful outreach underscores DSVA’s unwavering resolve to build a safer, more informed, and empowered society where survivors are protected and supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and prevention remains a shared civic responsibility.

Through strategic partnerships such as its collaboration with the Ford Foundation, the Lagos State Government continues to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.