BY IRIBHOGBE BUKUNOLA MONSURAT
The New Oko-Oba Baale-in-Council, led by Chief Omololu Pedro, has been sensitised on critical issues relating to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The engagement formed part of ongoing community-level interventions aimed at strengthening traditional leadership involvement in preventing and responding to SGBV across communities in Lagos State.
Ms. Oluwabunmi Amosu, of the Community Engagement Department of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), facilitated the session. She provided an in-depth explanation of the key concepts surrounding SGBV, with specific focus on Domestic Violence, Rape/Defilement, and Child Abuse.
During the discussion, Ms. Amosu highlighted the various forms SGBV can take, the early warning signs, and the significant role traditional leadership plays in addressing such cases promptly and effectively. She emphasised the importance of creating safe reporting environments within communities and ensuring survivors are treated with confidentiality, empathy, and respect.
Information on available support services, including psychosocial support, legal assistance, medical care, and shelter, was provided.
The Baale-in-Council members were also educated on the official DSVA reporting channels. These include the toll-free hotline 0800-033-3333 and the USSD code *6820# (for MTN subscribers), which can be used to report cases or seek assistance.
The engagement closed with a commitment from the Baale-in-Council to strengthen community vigilance, support survivors, and collaborate continuously with the DSVA to eradicate SGBV within New Oko-Oba.