The Lagos State Government has called for stronger collective action to tackle domestic and sexual violence, protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call at the Governor’s Commendation Night organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) as part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Tawakalitu Toriola, said ending domestic and sexual violence required sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, also stressed the importance of coordinated support to ensure survivors have access to justice and other assistance.
DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the annual awards recognised police officers, social workers, health workers, NGOs and education officers who had contributed to the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence. She said survivors could access free psychosocial and legal support, while high-risk survivors could receive empowerment assistance for relocation, accommodation and businesses.
Vivour-Adeniyi urged survivors to break the culture of silence and seek help, adding that the state was placing greater emphasis on prevention through its Gender-Based Violence Prevention Policy. Sanwo-Olu was honoured as Lagos State Champion Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, while other individuals and organisations received recognition for their contributions.
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