In a strategic move to curb domestic abuse before it begins, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has officially launched a specialized Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Online Course.
The initiative is designed to empower pastors, imams, and faith-based mentors with modern tools to foster healthier, violence-free unions.
Recognizing that the majority of couples in Lagos seek marital guidance from religious institutions, the state government is integrating faith-based perspectives with evidence-based relationship education to ensure family foundations are rooted in safety and mutual respect.
A Proactive Approach to Prevention
The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasized that the battle against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) must move from the courtroom to the counseling room.
“Domestic violence does not begin in the courtroom. In many cases, it begins long before marriage,” Vivour-Adeniyi stated. “By strengthening the quality of pre-marital counselling within our faith institutions, we are helping couples build marriages founded on respect, safety, and shared responsibility.”
Curriculum and Digital Accessibility
The program is delivered via a flexible digital platform, allowing busy religious leaders to engage with self-paced modules, case studies, and practical assessments. The curriculum specifically trains counselors to identify early warning signs of abusive behavior, apply the RELATE Protocol, a diagnostic framework used to evaluate relationship dynamics, and provide responsible, professional guidance to intending couples.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a formal certification, a move intended to standardize professionalism and accountability across the state’s diverse religious landscape.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The launch saw a rare convergence of government and high-level faith stakeholders, including representatives from the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs. This collaboration underscores the state’s Zero Tolerance policy toward SGBV by treating domestic stability as a matter of public interest.
Expanding the Safety Net
Beyond the online course, the DSVA highlighted its recently introduced Relationship Health Clinic. This clinic offers professional psychological support for couples, utilizing clinical frameworks to intervene in high-conflict situations before they escalate into physical harm.
By partnering directly with the mosques and churches that serve as the heartbeat of Lagosian communities, the state aims to build a collective defense against domestic abuse, ensuring that the home remains a sanctuary rather than a source of trauma.
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