The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has strengthened the capacity of officers of newly established Family Support Units (FSUs) on best practices for the investigation and prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.

The two-day intensive capacity-building programme, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together 24 police officers from the upgraded FSUs in Isheri, Idimu, Meiran, Ijesha and Iju (Red House), alongside officers from the Gender Desk of the Police Command.

The training forms part of DSVA’s mandate to promote survivor safety, offender accountability and a coordinated response to Domestic and Sexual Violence across Lagos State.

It equipped participants with practical knowledge for managing SGBV cases in a survivor-centred, trauma-informed and legally sound manner, with emphasis on evidence gathering, investigation, documentation, reporting and inter-agency collaboration.

Key areas covered included SGBV response principles, human rights and legal frameworks, police reporting standards, management of cases involving women, men and children, forensic evidence, investigative practices, interpretation of medical and forensic reports, child-friendly interviewing, preservation of evidence, and referral pathways.

Facilitators included professionals with expertise in law enforcement, medicine, criminal justice, prosecution and survivor support, including Executive Secretary, DSVA; Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, retired DSP Kenneth Okafor; Dr. Oluwajimi Sodipo; Babajide Boye; and Head of Case Management, DSVA Oluwatumininu Oni.

In her remarks, Vivour-Adeniyi commended officers serving in Family Support Units and Gender Desks for their commitment to protecting survivors and advancing access to justice.

Participants were also introduced to the RE-S-PONSE framework, Respect, Empathy, Supportiveness, Positivity, Openness and Non-judgemental conduct, as a guide for professional survivor engagement.

The training further highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, prosecutors and other service providers, while sensitising participants to State-supported services, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, healthcare, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

DSVA Head, Public Affairs Unit, Onadipe Opebere said participants called for sustained capacity building for law enforcement officers and stronger legal protection against threats or intimidation directed at parents of sexually abused children.