The Lagos State Government has upgraded five additional police divisions into Family Support Units (FSUs) as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence and improve support for survivors.

The upgrade, carried out by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in partnership with the Lagos State Police Command, covers police divisions in Isheri, Idimu, Meiran, Ijesha and Iju (Red House).

The development is expected to bring specialised support closer to victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), while improving the capacity of police officers to investigate cases and work with other agencies involved in survivor support and justice.

As part of the initiative, 24 police officers from the newly upgraded FSUs and the Gender Desk of the Lagos State Police Command underwent a two-day capacity-building programme organised by the DSVA from September 3 to 4, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

The training focused on best practices in investigating and prosecuting SGBV cases, with emphasis on evidence gathering, proper reporting, investigation procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

The participants were taken through technical presentations, case studies, interactive discussions and practical exercises covering SGBV response principles, human rights and legal frameworks, police reporting standards, and the handling of cases involving women, men and children.

They were also trained on the use of medical and forensic reports, preservation and interpretation of forensic evidence, investigative procedures, and referral pathways available to survivors across Lagos.

Speaking during the programme, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended officers serving in the FSUs and Gender Desks for their commitment to protecting survivors and improving access to justice.

She stressed that professional and effective investigation was critical to ensuring accountability, restoring public confidence in the justice system and improving outcomes for survivors.

The training also introduced officers to the RE-S-PONSE framework for survivor engagement, which emphasises Respect, Empathy, Supportiveness, Positivity, Openness and Non-judgmental conduct.

Particular attention was given to child sexual abuse investigations, child-friendly interviewing, evidence preservation, forensic medical examinations, interpretation of medical reports and timely referrals.

The DSVA said the programme also reinforced the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, prosecutors and other service providers in responding effectively to SGBV.

Participants were sensitised to services available across the state, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, healthcare services, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

At the end of the training, participants called for sustained capacity-building for law enforcement officers and stronger legal protection for parents of sexually abused children who may face threats or intimidation while seeking justice for their children.

The DSVA said the upgrading of the five police divisions was part of broader efforts to ensure that survivors of domestic and sexual violence receive professional, survivor-centred and coordinated support closer to their communities.