By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, has assured of it’s enhanced efforts to improve disabled person’s access to justice.
DSVA pledged to offer comprehensive support services in meeting with specific services tailored for the disabled with regards to sexual violence cases alongside domestic violence.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, gave the assurance while speaking at a one-day engagement with persons with disabilities on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.
At the recently held program, Vivour-Adeniyi said:“We recognize that persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence due to a variable of factors, including physical and cognitive limitations, lack of awareness and limited access to support services.
“As the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, I am deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have access to justice, support and protection from violence.
“This engagement provides a unique opportunity to come together, share experiences and discuss strategies to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in relation to sexual and gender based violence.
“Your insights, experiences and perspectives are invaluable in shaping our respenses to this pressing issue.”
The event was attended by members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Dwarf Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Physically Disabled Persons Association of Nigeria among others who were taken through legal frameworks and protection of survivors of SGBV, the understanding of domestic and sexual violence and its implications, and the acts to respond appropriately to SGBV .
The Participants commended the organizers of the training and expressed gratitude to the state government for bringing the educative initiative to their community.
They reassured of their commitment in ensuring the information is cascaded to their various communities.
