Groups advocate review of Lagos State Domestic Violence Protection Law
Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare
Stakeholders across various women rights and advocacy groups have made a case for what they describe as the urgent need for the Lagos State Government to review its Domestic Violence Protection Law of 2007 in order to make it more effective in addressing issues.
The groups made the call after they identified certain gaps in the existing legislation which they claim requires further amendment and additional provisions to ensure comprehensive coverage of previously unaddressed issues.
The collective decision to advocate for a review was made during a one day dialogue hosted by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) in collaboration with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency of Lagos State, at the Shoregate Hotel in Ikeja.
Participants at the dialogue which was attended by prominent women’s rights organizations and other advocacy groups, highlighted specific provisions that were missing in the original law enacted in 2007, and emphasised the importance of bridging these gaps by introducing relevant provisions to enhance the law’s effectiveness and maximize its benefits for those affected by domestic violence.
Dr. Akinola Akintayo, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, shed light on the deficiencies within the Domestic Violence Protection Law of 2007, emphasising the absence of sanctions for domestic violence and the law’s limited focus on the issuance of protection orders.
Dr. Akintayo also noted the lack of institutional mechanisms for enforcement beyond the Agency Law and the need for comprehensive provisions addressing domestic violence. Furthermore, he highlighted the omission of culturally linked violations, such as harmful widowhood practices and female circumcision.
Also speaking, Dr. Abiola Akioyode-Afolabi, the founder of WARDC, emphasised the dialogue’s objective of fostering a cultural shift towards a society that does not tolerate gender-based violence.
She stressed the importance of supporting and empowering survivors while upholding principles of equality and justice. Dr. Akioyode-Afolabi also expressed the need to establish a joint technical committee to oversee the status update and other related matters.
Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, a lawyer, women’s rights advocate, and founder of the Mirabel Centre, echoed the sentiments expressed by other participants at the forum. She concurred that the law required amendment and the implementation of a legal framework that would provide support to survivors.
She emphasised the importance of reviewing the law without necessitating a complete overhaul, commending the progressive stance of Lagos State and calling for unity in closing the existing gaps.
The presence of numerous advocacy groups at the forum provided an opportunity for all participants to share their thoughts and engage in productive interactions. This concerted effort highlight the collective resolve to address the shortcomings in the current legislation and ensure it aligns with the realities faced by survivors of domestic violence.
At the end of the dialogue, there was a consensus that the Lagos State Government has already taken commendable steps in prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.
However, the consensus reached during this gathering emphasise the continuous need to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society by collectively working towards innovative measures, stakeholders aim to provide greater protection, support, and rehabilitation for survivors of domestic violence while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
They stated that the transformative journey to review the domestic violence law of Lagos State stands united by a common vision as well as a society that respects, protects, and upholds the rights of women.
