Lagos State expands resources to combat sexual and gender-based violence

The Lagos State government is expanding its efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through new infrastructure and specialized law enforcement units.

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State governor, officially launched the Idera Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) at Alimosho General Hospital. She emphasized the importance of increased advocacy to eliminate SGBV, noting that Alimosho has historically recorded high crime rates regarding these offenses.

In a parallel initiative, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has partnered with the Lagos State Police Command to upgrade five police divisions into Family Support Units (FSUs). These units, located in Isheri, Idimu, Meiran, Ijesha, and Iju, are designed to provide professional support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Officers from these units recently underwent capacity-building training focused on investigation, prosecution, evidence gathering, and human rights frameworks to improve inter-agency collaboration and survivor referral pathways.