Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed that the Lagos State Government has secured the conviction of 70 people engaged in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
He also disclosed that 600 SGBV cases are still in court, saying that the government has continued to maintain its zero tolerance against SGBV.
The governor spoke at the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency’s (DSVA) Annual Commendation and Awards Night with the theme: “SGBV? Not in my Lagos.’
The Event which usually wraps up the month long beehive of activities and programmes of the DSVA is used to showcase achievements to further encourage other stakeholders in the fight against the SGBV menacing scourge and to further inspire and encourage already crusading stakeholders to scale up their commitment in bringing relief to the victims and eradicate the menace in the society.
Sanwo-Olu said that various initiatives and advocacy programmes carried out by the agency towards raising public awareness, rehabilitating victims and ensuring justice for domestic and sexual violence offenders have significantly and positively impacted the target audience by encouraging more victims to speak out and end the cowardly culture of silence.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hudenyin commended the Agency for its noble work and appreciated individuals, organizations who have joined the State Government to alienate SGBV.
He explained that the numbers of victims of domestic and sexual violence seeking intervention of the agency between May 2019 and July 2023 has reached 20,614.
He said this is a pointer to its acceptability and confidence in the service delivery by the public.
“In 2022, 70 numbers of convictions were secured while about 600 cases are ongoing, this is a testament to the agency’s commitment and dedication to this administration’s zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence,” he said.
The governor, however, commended the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and the DSVA team for the hard work and commitment to actualize the Agency’s mandate by offering the required support to enable Survivors to overcome their tender physical and psychological trauma.
He stated his administration’s expectations for more convictions of perpetrators in the State to serve as a deterrent to others committing these heinous crimes.
Sanwo-Olu described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as evil, wicked, and inhumane and called for collaboration and partnership with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA to end the scourge.
“May I reiterate here today my administration’s determination not to relent in supporting the work and effort of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence agency and those of various organizations that are committed to this noble course, we must have and enjoy a safer and more secured environment all are at liberty to live happy lives.
“Further, our renewed focus on this menace is expressed in the plus components of the Themes+agenda, which stands for Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth development,” he said.
Earlier, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro explained that the State has been relentless in the fight against all forms of abuse and SGBV, saying that this engagement has been robust and fruitful.
“We are gathered to celebrate the State’s modest achievements in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, inspire all stakeholders to increase their efforts to bring succor to survivors and ultimately eradicate the menace in the society,” he said.
He noted that the time of complacency is long gone and urged the public to help sustain the conversation at work and religious places, institutions, residential and social areas to enable government to galvanize a progressive society.
Also, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, in her goodwill message, averred that domestic violence is not tolerated in Lagos State
She urged the agency to continue to work in line with the six Strategic Development Pillars of Governor’s Administration with the acronym ‘T.H.E.M.E.S’ Plus towards ensuring “A Greater Lagos”.
Shitta-Bey disclosed that out of the 178 cases receive from the police, 130 were deferment cases, saying that judgment had been delivered in 42 of the cases.
credit: PM News
