Lagos DSVA, police rescue pregnant woman assaulted by partner

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) with the help of the Police in the early hours of Wednesday rescued a pregnant woman who was assaulted by her partner.

Lagos DSVA spokesperson, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, in a statement, said after the agency received yet another distress call from a mandated reporter of an alleged case of domestic violence involving the woman and her husband.

Ladenegan-Oginni said this is happening in the wake of the recent report of a seven-month pregnant woman who lost her life as a result of domestic violence.

“It was alleged that an expectant mother was physically assaulted by her partner who then proceeded to lock her in their apartment located in the Mushin area of Lagos state.

“It was reported that the alleged physical assault eventually resulted in the pregnant woman losing consciousness and it took the timely intervention of the neighbours who rescued her and rushed her to the General Hospital for medical assistance.”

According to Ladenegan-Oginni, the Executive Secretary DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the office immediately contacted the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command.

She added that Police officers from the Mushin police station were immediately dispatched to the scene of the incident.

Vivour-Adeniyi further revealed that the suspect has since been apprehended while the survivor is still in an unconscious state.

Whilst underscoring the potential dangers and the negative ripple effect of domestic violence on survivors and the society at large, DSVA reiterated that the state government remains unwavering in ensuring perpetrators of these heinous crimes are held accountable.

The agency is also using this medium to appreciate the neighbours for calling for help and reaching out to them.

“We also urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to please break the culture of silence, to know that we believe them, even as they are encouraged to speak up and report promptly to authorities such as the DSVA either via the toll-free line 08000 333 333 or at Novel House, Plot 3, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja,” Ladenegan-Oginni added.