In a strategic move to fortify its frontline defense against domestic abuse, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) conducted a high-impact community engagement session with twelve Community Development Associations (CDAs) on Friday, April 10, 2026. 
The initiative marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing mission to institutionalize a zero-tolerance policy toward Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at the local level.
Strengthening Community Alliances
The session commenced with a rousing address by the CDC Chairman, Alhaji Telia Tajudeen, who lauded the Agency for its unwavering presence within the communities. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of residents depend heavily on the consistent awareness and proactive interventions championed by the DSVA.
Representing the Executive Secretary, Ms. Bunmi Amosu and Mr. Richard Akanbi led the sensitization efforts. They provided a deep dive into the Agency’s core mandate, stressing that the elimination of SGBV requires a collective community resolve rather than just governmental action.
Education and Legal Accountability
The DSVA officials meticulously educated participants on the diverse manifestations of sexual violence and child abuse, many of which often go unrecognized in communal settings. Beyond identification, the team shed light on the stringent legal frameworks and penalties now in place under Lagos State law to punish offenders.
“Our goal is to ensure that every community member understands that SGBV is not a private matter, but a criminal offense that the state is fully equipped to prosecute,” stated Ms. Bunmi Amosu during the engagement. “By empowering the CDAs with knowledge of the law, we are turning neighbors into protectors.”
Reporting Channels and Survivor Support
To bridge the gap between incidents and justice, the Agency highlighted critical reporting infrastructure. Community members were directed to utilize Family Support Units (FSU) and Primary Health Care Centres, which serve as immediate hubs for survivor assistance.
A central point of the session was the promotion of the DSVA toll-free helpline, 0-8000-333-333. The Agency urged residents to use this line to ensure timely reporting and to gain rapid access to medical, legal, and psychological support services provided by the state.
A Unified Front for Reform
The engagement concluded with a strong show of solidarity from the twelve CDAs. Representatives expressed their commitment to acting as vanguards of accountability, promising to cascade the information back to their respective streets and households. This partnership signals a shift toward a more vigilant Lagos, where the culture of silence is replaced by a strengthened framework of reporting and protection.
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