In a decisive move to bolster grassroots safety, community leaders within the Orile Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) recently convened for a high-impact sensitization session aimed at eradicating Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSV).
The initiative brought together over 70 members of the Community Development Committee (CDC), identifying them as the primary first responders and influencers capable of driving cultural change and survivor support at the local level.
Strengthening the Grassroots Shield
The program emphasized that local leadership is the backbone of prevention and early intervention. By equipping these leaders with the right tools, the community aims to create a more robust safety net for vulnerable residents.
Addressing the assembly, the CDC Chairman, HAK Oderinde, underscored the gravity of the mission.
“It is not enough to only learn; but to share this knowledge across our respective communities,” Oderinde stated.
Identification, Reporting, and Response
The technical session, facilitated by Miss Adetoun Odumbo, provided a deep dive into the complexities of abuse. The training specifically focused on identifying subtle warning signs of physical and emotional abuse, understanding the various legal and social forms of violence, and navigating the appropriate reporting channels to ensure victim safety.
Participants were further guided on how to support survivors safely without causing secondary trauma, ensuring that interventions are both timely and handled in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Breaking the Silence
The engagement transitioned into an interactive forum where leaders tackled the hush-hush culture surrounding domestic issues. Discussions centered on the challenges of handling cases involving family members and maintaining strict confidentiality to protect reporters.
To ensure immediate action, all attendees were empowered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) toll-free line: 0-8000-333-333.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment from the CDC members to act as vigilant guardians of their neighborhoods, pledging to promote a zero-tolerance environment for violence in Orile Agege.
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