SGBV: Alimosho, Ikorodu, others, top LGAs with highest report of adult cases – Onigbanjo

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has confirmed that out of the 20 local government areas in the state, the top five LGAs of the highest reports for adults cases of Sexual and Gende- Based Violence (SGBV) are Alimosho, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa and Oshodi Isolo, while for cases involving children, they have recorded high reports from Alimosho, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikorodu, and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Areas.

Onigbanjo disclosed this during a media parley on Wednesday, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, September.

He said that the theme of this year’s activities: “It’s On Us,” is “based on the compelling need to ensure that residents of Lagos realize that ending the menace of Sexual Gender-Based Violence is indeed a collective effort, which requires the support and collaboration of all members of society.”

He unveiled various activities, which are usually earmarked to commemorate the Month, including: Turn Alausa Purple/Advocacy Walk- It’s On Us To End SGBV, “which involves embarking on advocacy walks against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

“It is proposed that this year on the 1st of September 2022, Turn Alausa Purple/Advocacy Walk takes place within the secretariat. Public servants are encouraged to wear a touch of purple, in solidarity with the walk.”

He said that there will be Market Fiesta, tagged: “MEN WEY SABI, to contribute towards breaking gender stereotypes, which directly and indirectly encourage the perpetration of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

He added that the initiative would educate individuals on gender roles, which are social constructs.

Among others, Onigbanjo said that there will be a symposium (Tales of Survivors), which will have in attendance survivors, stakeholders and policymakers.

The Attorney General said: “During the symposium, survivors will be availed the opportunity to share their stories. This would be an intimate gathering, which would include other relevant stakeholders.”

Also, a part of the activities is Safeguarding and Child Protection Day, which would witness the gathering of over 400 students, and debate on the topic: Social Media Promotes Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

According to Onigbanjo, there will also be DSVA Award/Commendation Night, which is in line with the state government’s tradition. The Agency would also organsize Mr. Governors Commendation / Awards to celebrate officers, institutions and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.”

While highlighting data on SGBV, Onigbanjo said: “From September 1st 2021 to July 31st 2022, the Agency has handled 4860 cases which are into two categories, Adults & Children.

The breakdown of the cases is as follows: 2029 Domestic Violence, 65 Rapes, 40 Sexual Assaults, 10 Attempts to commit rape, Five Sexual Assaults by penetration, 73 threats to Life, 488 Others (Separation, Not taking responsibilities of child(ren), Neglect, custody of the child, Non-GBV, etc.).

Others, according to Onigbanjo, are 113 Child Abuse/Physical Assault, 194 Defilement cases, 15 Defilement/Molestation by Minor to Minor, 105 Child Labour, Abduction Neglect/Others, 145 Sexual Harassment/Molestation cases.”

A total of 1,578 children, the Attorney General said, have experienced emotional abuse (i.e these children have been exposed to Domestic Violence within the home).

He added: “55% of these children have been taken through counselling programs to ensure they are able to psychologically deal with the events they have witnessed without it having a permanent and negative impact on them.”