The Lagos government has called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence across communities.

Executive secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made the call on Wednesday in Ikeja during a symposium.

The symposium was on the theme ‘Enhancing the Role of Government and Civil Society Organisations in Survivor-Centred SGBV Response in Lagos State’.

Ms Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations were crucial as first responders in curbing sexual and domestic violence and assisting survivors.

She noted that partnerships with CSOs were vital, since no single government ministry, department, or agency could provide all the services survivors required. According to her, NGOs and CSOs are often present within communities, sometimes acting as first responders in cases of abuse.

She urged stronger collaboration, learning exercises, and the adoption of best practices in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. Ms Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged survivors to speak out, assuring them it was not their fault and that the government was committed to providing enabling services.

She explained that survivors could access medical, legal, psychosocial counselling, empowerment, and, importantly, justice through government support structures.

In her goodwill message, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, state project coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, praised the role of CSOs in amplifying the voices of the marginalised.

Mr Ijimakinwa called for stronger partnerships, gap identification, and improved response systems, commending DSVA’s leadership in building a robust framework for SGBV response in Lagos.

She maintained that no single institution could meet all needs, hence the importance of partnering with civil society to strengthen coordination and deliver impactful results.

Atinuke Odukoya, the executive director of the Centre for Women’s Health and Information, urged NGOs to embrace creativity and innovation.

Ms Odukoya said they must promote positive social norms and values to effectively tackle sexual and gender-based violence.

(NAN)