The Lagos State Domestic And Sexual Violence Agency in collaboration with Eti-Osa Local Government (comprising of Eti-Osa main LG, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Iru VI LCDA and Eti-Osa East) organised an Enlightenment Campaign at the Council Secretariat. The Executive Chairman, Hon. Saheed Adesegun Bankole who was ably represented by his vice, Omooba Adeola Adetoro Adeyanju, commended the efforts of the Sanwo-Olu Administration for sponsoring such laudable programme aimed at creating awareness on ending sexual and gender based violence in the society.
The Executive Chairman in his speech said the essence of the gathering is to sensitise the people to be aware and to possibly eradicate the menace. He further reiterated that sexual violence is any sexual act through force or acts directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. He however appealed to parents to educate their children and wards on sexual matters.
Mrs Alakija Ladapo, a retired Director and consultant of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said sexual violence is considered to be one of the most traumatic, pervasive, and most common human rights violations and most times it could cause a serious health problem and aggressive acts from the victims. She said sexual abuse is an undesired sexual behaviour that is forced upon a person and it can happen to any gender and at any age. The Consultant emphasised that people don’t have enough knowledge about the fact that no one have the right to sexually harass anyone. She said even though one person have been educated to never sexually abuse anyone at one time or the other, they still don’t stop and think about all the consequences they will have and the self-blame and the depression the victims will have to bear. She therefore advised that it is our responsibility to be well informed, hence, the reason for the campaign which is tagged “IT’S ON US.”
Mrs Ibidunni Aramide, a female police officer also enlightened the audience on the need to speak up when you see an act of sexual violence amd spread the word, report offenders to the appropriate authorities and join in campaigns that stops sexual violence.
