The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has intensified its grassroots advocacy efforts with a community sensitisation programme aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The outreach took place at Oloko Community in Iju-Ishaga and Ifesowapo Community in Ijaye, underscoring the agency’s continued commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting safer communities across Lagos State.
The engagement formed part of the agency’s ongoing strategy to bring information and support services closer to residents at the grassroots level. Community members gathered to receive vital education on the nature of abuse, available support systems, and the importance of timely reporting of incidents.
Awareness on Forms of Abuse
During the sensitisation session, representatives from the agency’s Community Engagement Department, Akinde Emmanuel and Tolani Adegboyega, provided detailed explanations of the different forms of abuse commonly experienced within homes and communities.
They explained that sexual and gender-based violence can manifest in several forms, including:
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Physical violence: acts such as assault, battery, or any form of physical harm.
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Sexual violence: non-consensual sexual acts, harassment, or exploitation.
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Emotional and psychological abuse: intimidation, manipulation, threats, and actions that undermine a person’s mental well-being.
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Economic abuse: controlling a person’s financial resources or denying them economic opportunities.
The facilitators emphasised that many victims may not immediately recognise some of these behaviours as abuse. As such, raising awareness is a crucial step in preventing violence and ensuring survivors receive timely assistance.
Support Services and Reporting Channels
Participants were also educated on the support services available to survivors through the agency. These services include confidential reporting, counselling, referrals for medical care, and legal support where necessary.
Community members were strongly encouraged to promptly report any suspected or confirmed cases of abuse. The DSVA team highlighted the agency’s toll-free reporting line 08000-333-333, which is accessible to residents across Lagos State.
According to the facilitators, reporting incidents not only helps survivors access necessary support but also contributes to holding perpetrators accountable and preventing further abuse within the community.
Community Leaders Commend Initiative
Traditional leaders in the community expressed appreciation for the initiative and acknowledged the importance of sustained awareness efforts. The Baale of Oloko, Chief Mathew Oloko, alongside Chief Wahab Saliu Adisa, commended the agency for bringing the sensitisation programme to the community.
They noted that sexual and gender-based violence remains a persistent societal challenge and stressed that initiatives like the DSVA’s grassroots engagements are essential in addressing the problem. The leaders also encouraged the agency to continue collaborating with other relevant institutions and stakeholders to further strengthen the impact of its advocacy.
Active Community Participation
The sensitisation programme recorded encouraging participation, with over 25 community members in attendance. Participants engaged actively during the session, asking questions, sharing experiences, and discussing ways the community could collectively promote safety and accountability.
The interaction demonstrated a growing awareness and willingness among residents to take a stand against abuse and to support victims who may need help.
Strengthening Grassroots Collaboration
The outreach to Oloko and Ifesowapo communities further reinforced the importance of community-based collaboration in combating sexual and gender-based violence. By empowering residents with knowledge and clear reporting channels, the DSVA continues to strengthen preventive mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining advocacy programmes across communities in Lagos State, emphasizing that eliminating SGBV requires collective responsibility from individuals, community leaders, and institutions alike.
Through continued engagement, education, and community partnership, the DSVA aims to foster a culture of zero tolerance for abuse, ensuring that every resident can live in a safe and supportive environment.