The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has intensified its grassroots campaign against abuse, hosting a comprehensive sensitization session for the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) at the Onigbogbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The initiative, aimed at equipping youth leaders with the tools to identify and prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), underscores the state’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding domestic and sexual abuse.
Empowering Youth as Ambassadors of Change
During the engagement, Mr. Akinde Olatosin, a DSVA Community Engagement Officer, provided an in-depth breakdown of the various dimensions of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence.
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the emerging threat of Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (TFSGBV). Olatosin warned participants about the dangers of digital platforms being weaponized for cyberstalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
“We are not just here to share information; we are here to build a network of advocates,” Olatosin stated. “The youth must serve as ambassadors of change, ensuring that every incident is met with a swift response through the right channels.”
Reporting and Response Mechanisms
To ensure survivors have access to justice and healing, the DSVA team educated the NYCN members on available support services. The agency emphasized the importance of early reporting, urging the public to utilize the DSVA toll-free hotline (08000333333) for immediate intervention and professional assistance.
Strengthening Corporate Partnerships for 2026
In a parallel effort to broaden its impact, the DSVA team held a high-level strategic meeting with Power Oil to outline a collaborative roadmap for 2026.
The meeting focused on expanding community-based interventions and empowerment programs designed to reach the state’s most vulnerable populations. By aligning with corporate partners, the DSVA aims to sustain high-visibility advocacy campaigns that promote gender equality and strengthen grassroots support systems.
The renewed partnership is expected to drive a significant reduction in SGBV cases across Lagos through increased funding, resource allocation, and joint outreach initiatives.
A Unified Front Against Abuse
These dual engagements educational and strategic highlight the DSVA’s multifaceted approach to eradicating violence. By combining youth mobilization with private sector collaboration, the agency continues to lead the charge in creating a safer, more accountable Lagos State.
Share this
