Lagos moves against domestic violence, opens shelter for survivors

Lagos State government through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), yesterday, opened “EKO HAVEN”, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The Guardian learnt that the effort was part of the state’s commitment in ensuring that holistic support is provided for survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, at the opening the cente, revealed that the shelter located in Ikorodu area of Lagos, is a 30-bed space capacity to provide immediate shelter services to high-risk survivors of domestic violence.

She said the shelter was the state’s prompt response to the burgeoning demand to ensure preservation of life, safety, stability, empowerment and subsequently the reintegration of survivors back into the society.

According to her, “The establishment of Eko Haven is in keeping with the DSVA’s statutory mandate of establishing shelters across all divisions of the state.

“With this intervention, it is our hope that survivors in abusive relationships would find the courage to break the culture of silence, speak up and speak out with the assurance that help is just a call away.

“Asides from providing accommodation, health and psychosocial support, livelihood support would also be integrated and made available for survivors through Eko Haven.

“Our compassionate staff members would offer comprehensive support to help survivors address their trauma through empowerment activities, personal and legal advocacy and in-house psychosocial support.

“The shelter is hosted at a confidential location with on-site security precautions and a gated entry,” she said. Vivour-Adeniyi assured that any victim or survivor of domestic violence should realise that they are not alone and there is help accessible. “Please reach out to us on 08000 333 333 or at our office located at Nobel House, Plot A, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District. Alausa,” she added.