Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has pledged her agency’s commitment to improving access to justice, preventative measures, and tailored support services for persons with disabilities.
This commitment was shared during a recent one-day event on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, Ikeja, specifically engaging persons with disabilities.
Attendees included members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Dwarf Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of the Blind, and the Physically Disabled Persons Association of Nigeria.
“Persons with disabilities face unique vulnerabilities to sexual and gender-based violence, which can stem from physical or cognitive limitations, lack of awareness, and limited access to supportive services,” explained Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi. “As the DSVA’s Executive Secretary, my goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to justice and protection from violence.”
This event aimed to foster open dialogue and shared strategies for addressing SGBV among disabled communities. “Your voices and experiences play a critical role in guiding our responses to SGBV and helping us provide effective solutions,” she added.
Key facilitators at the event, including Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, Mrs. Abdullahi Oluwafunmilayo, Pamela Stephen, and Mrs. Stella Osho, led discussions on legal protections, survivor support, and empowering persons with disabilities to respond appropriately to incidents of SGBV.
Participants like Mrs. Adekankun Oluwatoyin and Mr. Emmanuel Audu expressed gratitude for the training and pledged to disseminate the valuable insights within their communities, thanking the state government for initiating this impactful engagement.