The Lagos government says it will strengthen the prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence-related offences to curb their menace.

Lagos’ attorney general, Lawal Pedro, said this on Tuesday night, during the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, organised by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

Mr Pedro, who is also the commissioner for justice, said that SGBV is one of the gravest social issues confronting society.

He said that SGBV affects every aspect of human life, including homes, schools, workplaces, public spaces, legal frameworks, healthcare systems, and educational structures, and most profoundly, it challenges shared humanity.

The attorney general stated that the Lagos government remained committed to building a society where safety, dignity, and justice are guaranteed for all, regardless of gender, age, or social class.

According to him, access to justice must be holistic, encompassing legal representation, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and, where necessary, shelter; it must be prompt, sensitive, survivor-centered, and effective.

“We are committed to strengthening the prosecution of SGBV-related offences, training investigators and prosecutors, and ensuring the proper implementation of laws such as the Criminal Law of Lagos State, the Child Rights Law, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law.

“Tonight, we shine a spotlight on our heroes and heroines: the police officers who go beyond duty; the social workers who are the first responders; the nurses and doctors who attend to survivors with compassion.

“We shine a spotlight on the teachers who raise awareness, the NGOs that take risks daily, and the community leaders who refuse to be silent. To all our awardees and nominees, you are not just being recognised for your service, you are being celebrated for giving hope, for standing in the gap, and for making it clear that in Lagos State, silence is not an option,” he said.

The attorney general urged all stakeholders to renew their resolve and commit to prevention, just as passionately as justice is being pursued, and engage more in education, advocacy, and community engagement.

“Let us teach our children consent, respect, and accountability. Let us build systems where survivors are supported and perpetrators are prosecuted. This year’s awareness month with the theme ‘SGBV – It Concerns Us All’ is both timely and compelling. It underscores a vital truth that the fight against sexual and gender-based violence cannot be borne by the government alone.

“It is a collective duty, one that calls upon families, faith-based institutions, communities, the private sector, and every individual,” he said.

In an interview with journalists after the dinner, the executive secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency is making progress in awareness creation and support for survivors of SGBV.

Ms Vivour-Adeniyi, however, said there were challenges such as the prevalence of rape culture, anti-survivor sentiments, stigma, and socio-cultural and religious factors that contributed to the perpetuation of SGBV.

“To all survivors, we believe you; you are not alone. If you are experiencing any form of sexual and gender-based violence, we want you to know that help is only a phone call away. You can reach out to us on our toll-free line 0800033333. We encourage all residents to see themselves as mandated reporters. If you see something, you have a duty to say something so that we can do something,” she said.

(NAN)