Lagos State launches campaign against sexual and domestic violence

• Police Pinpoint Religious Leaders As Greatest Perpetrators Of Sexual Crimes

The Lagos State government has flagged off a month long awareness campaign against all forms of domestic and sexual crimes and subsequently urged men to be at the forefront to bring an end to this problem.

This call was made at a media parley organized by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Alausa and the governor encouraged that everyone, both male and female should be involved as this was an issue affecting both sexes.

Speaking on the activities lined up to celebrate the month, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said the theme of this year’s event: “Promoting Positive Masculinity, Men Can End Sexual And Gender Based Violence,” was carefully selected and same centered on the compelling need to ensure men act as flag bearers in the fight against such crimes.

The campaign would kick off on September 8, with a walk from Ikeja Under Bridge at 9am to Lagos House in Alausa while there would be a simultaneous walk from Festac Divisional Police Station to Federal Housing Authority. The month would also feature a one-day symposium on the role of men in ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) targeted at artisans, market men and women, members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), police officers and would take place at Muson Centre in Onikan on September 15, while an event for children will hold September 26 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa. Activities would be rounded off with an art exhibition, hosted by the governor.

Also speaking at the media parley, Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, said there has been an increase in the report of SGBV crimes to the police over the past few months, adding that they were working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the State and the DSVRT to thoroughly address the issue. She revealed that from recent reports and investigations, it was discovered that the major perpetrators of sexual offences were religious leaders hiding under the guise of religion to commit heinous crimes.