….. We need to eradicate this silent cancer in our society – Hon. Essien.
Lagos Mainland Local Government Secretariat was filled to the brim as council boss, Hon. Mrs Omolola Essien played host to the Lagos State’ domestic and sexual violence agency and it’s team, the domestic and sexual violence response team (DSVRT).
Theme: It’s on Us , the council boss spoke emphatically on the burning issues of domestic and gender based violence. In her words: “domestic and gender based violence is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 men/women in their lifetime. In Nigeria and many Africa countries this silent cancer often goes undetected yet leaves its marks on the victims for years if not a lifetime”. Hence we all need to play our role individually to put an end it. So if you see something, please say something. It’s on us” she posited.
“However, we should have in mind that this evil acts can be carried out by anybody, sexual and gender-based violence may be perpetrated by anyone, including individuals from your family members, communities, and even humanitarian actors. Persons in positions of authority (police, security officials, community leaders, teachers, employers, landlords to mention a few. The council boss concluded.
Lagos state chairman police community relations committee (PCRC), Apostle Kehinde Showemimo who was a guest at the event made a remark on various allegations against individuals related to rape, assault and sexually harassment which as in recent time prompted outrage and encouraged sways of women and girls to speak out about their own experiences of violence. He said, I’m happy these particular issues are now getting unprecedented attention from the public, demonstrating an urgent need for a systematic approach to prevention and response.
Team lead of the Domestic and Sexual violence response team (DSVRT), Mrs Titilola explained further that a timely call to their toll free line “08000333333” will be responded to without a minute of delay. DSVRT is a collection of professional service provider and officials that respond as a group and in timely fashion to the various needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors by providing medical, legal, emergency assistance, counselling and psychological and psycho social support. We encourage and collaborate among professionals, work together to end sexual and gender based violence. She concluded.
In recognition of her outstanding role within the community, Hon. Mrs Omolola Essien was presented an award for her commitment to the flight against sexual and gender based violence in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The event which came to life through the Women and poverty alleviation department had in attendance the council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, HOD Agric, Mr Gbenga Akinoka, HOD WAPA, Mrs Adeola Lawal, Mr. T R Adisa, Hon. Wasiu Ogunniyi to mention a few.
