Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, on Friday said that 24,965 cases of domestic and sexual violence were recorded in the state in the last six years.
According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal who was represented by the Acting Solicitor-General, Ahmed Oyenuga, at a briefing ahead of the commencement of the awareness month, said Ajeromi local government has the highest record of domestic violence.
He noted that the 2024 awareness month is themed: SGBV? “Not On My Watch!” will include a sensitisation walk on September 4 across the state with special focus on Ajeromi.
“The theme of this year is based on the compelling need to ensure that Lagosians realize that ending the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence is indeed a collective effort, which requires the support and collaboration of all members of society. We therefore intend to engage all demographics including men, women and children,” he said.
Some of the activities to mark the month includes Turn Alausa Purple campaign which would see all public servants adorning colour purple, advocacy walk against domestic and sexual violence. scheduled to hold on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
The walk will take place from Ile-Zik along the local airport area to Ipodo market , computer village and within the Ikeja local government.
Also, there will be Eko men walking to encourage men to see themselves as duty bearers in the fight against SGBV, shun any form of violence and also promote positive masculinity.
“This will also be an opportunity to shine the light on the fact that men can be victims/ survivors and they should therefore be encouraged to speak up and give men the opportunity to speak with other men themselves”
He added that the Eko men walk will be held on Monday, September 9 in Ajegunle, Ajeromi local government.
“The increased number of cases that has been received recently from that area has informed our decision to have this walk in that area,” Pedro said.
Another activity will be market fiesta to educate people on the need to report violators of sexual and gender based violence.
“We have chosen to showcase the fiesta in the Alimosho community and would involve physical engagement with members of the community in local markets within the Alimosho Area of the State.
“Statistics have continued to show Alimosho as the local government with the highest local government area of occurrence of SGBV in the state.’’
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA,Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said this year’s programme would further help to reduce cases of domestic violence in the state.