Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, recently organised a Gender-Based Violence Case Conferencing meeting at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, GRA-Ikeja.
The meeting was held to foster effective communication and collaboration among critical stakeholders in GBV response, to share best practices and innovative solutions, to identify gaps and challenges in the GBV service delivery.
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, in her welcome address, told the gathering that Gender-Based Violence was not just a crime; but a violation of human rights that shatters lives, families, and communities.
In her words, “It is a complex issue with multifaceted causes, requiring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackle it effectively. This case conferencing meeting provides an invaluable platform for us to share expertise and best practices in addressing gender-based violence, collaborate across sectors to ensure seamless support for survivors, identify gaps in service delivery and develop strategies to address them, Advocate for policy changes and systemic reforms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence”
She lauded stakeholders for their dedication and commitment, noting that it was instrumental in creating a safer and more equitable society. “To the survivors of gender-based violence, I want to assure you that you are not alone. We stand with you, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to heal and rebuild your lives. As we embark on this important work, let us remember that our ultimate goal is to create a world where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and violence”, Vivour-Adeniyi said.
In attendance were Stakeholders from the MDAs such as the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Magistrates of the Lagos State Judiciary, Nigerian Police Force, Para-Military, Customs, Correctional Service, Office of the Public Defender, Guidance Counsellor from SUBEB, Guidance Counsellors from Education Districts 1-6, WARIF, CeCe Yara, Mirabel Centre, WARIF, FMC Ebute-Metta, Non-Governmental Organisations such as Child Protection Network (CPN), CEWHIN, WRAHP, God’s Home for Women, Grace’s Place Day Spring, and Cee Hope.
Mrs. Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, the CEO of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, presented the Case Study of Dr. Olafemi Olaleye gave other insight into other case scenarios. She also stated that Cece Yara advocates for forensic interviews and that there is a difference between psychological support and psychiatric support.
On her part, Mrs. Oluwatumininu Oni, Head, Case Management, DSVA, gave a brief report of five cases including ongoing cases, to ensure that the survivors receiving the support are satisfied with the process and to have a look at the case post-mortem.
Mrs. Aderonke Oyelakin, Lagos State Co-ordinator of Child Protection Network, also gave an account of Dr. Femi Olaleye’s Case and spoke extensively about how they ensured that the case was not swept under the carpet. She also stated that CPN is keen on getting Justice for all children, regardless of their parentage.
SP Agbaje Ayoola, representing the Police Force, gave a brief account of some of the cases handled by the Nigerian Police Force being the first point of contact in most SGBV Cases.
Mrs. Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai who moderated the panel session, engaged some of the survivors present who briefly narrated their cases. The panel session was followed by an open discussion, where stakeholders voiced challenges in managing SGBV cases and offering recommendations for improvement.
Some of the challenges which the stakeholders noted for amelioration were the Police calling the survivor to take care of the welfare of the perpetrator, loss of evidence by the police, placement of children in shelters and lack of follow-up for cases.
Recommendations presented included the need for the Provision of vehicles and stationery for Police, and specialised witness protection centres, CPN should not be responsible for payment and funding of cases, after the case, has been handed over to the appropriate agency, recommendations should be well articulated and taken to the highest levels of government for implementation among others.
