The initiatives, including a Self-Reporting Tool for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS), align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and justice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The Guardian learnt that by visiting Lagosdsvcms.org, survivors and mandated reporters can securely submit case details. The tool also enables users to upload essential evidence, such as pictures, audio or video recordings, and medical reports.
Speaking on the initiative, the Head of the Public Affairs Unit at DSVA, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, highlighted the importance of strengthening evidence collection and preservation to ensure swift and effective justice.
She noted that about 60 per cent of survivors who initially had pictorial, documentary, or audio evidence of abuse either lose it, accidentally or voluntarily delete it, or have their devices destroyed by abusive partners.
“With this portal, survivors can securely store and retrieve their evidence when investigations begin or whenever they decide to seek justice,” Ladenegan-Oginni said.
She emphasised that improved evidence collection and preservation would play a crucial role in building survivors’ cases and strengthening the prosecution of domestic violence cases in Lagos State, an area that has faced significant challenges in the past.
Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, also commended the innovations, stating that they demonstrate the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to break the culture of silence, provide seamless access to support for survivors, and ensure perpetrator accountability.
“With these innovations, Lagos State continues to lead in the fight against domestic and sexual violence—ensuring survivors receive the support and justice they deserve while actively working to prevent future occurrences and reduce such incidents to the barest minimum,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.
