The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to better support survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), on Monday in Ikeja with the theme: “SGBV, Not On My Watch”.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that while there are currently three SARCs in the state, more are necessary due to the population size.
“We have 20 local governments here, so, it is not enough, because there are a lot of cases, we are dealing with 20 million citizens in Lagos State, and we are still counting, “ he said.
He expressed his satisfaction that people are now speaking out and reporting cases. “The blame and shame game is in full swing, and the sex offenders register is being used,” the Governor added.
The governor said from the inception of the agency in 2014, the Lagos State Government had shown unwavering determination to provide holistic support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, while holding perpetrators accountable.
Also speaking, The Executive Secretary, Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency had attended to over twenty-five thousand cases in the last ten years.
The event had the support of the Rule of Law and Anti corruption RoLAC, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance was organized to round off the Domestic and Sexual Violence awareness month programs.
Recipient of awards include in Best FSU - Igbogbo FSU
Health Facility PHC- Ipaja PHC-
Health Facility General Hospital - Badagry
NGO Service Provider
Gracie’s Place
NGO (Advocacy Awareness) Recognition - Centre for Women’s Health Initiative
Family Social Services - Alimosho
Most Responsive Education District - District
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