Lagos agency aims to prevent gender-based violence
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Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi leads the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), working to shift the focus from responding to abuse to preventing it. Since becoming Executive Secretary in 2021, she has built a team of over 100 professionals dedicated to supporting survivors, advocating for policy changes, and educating the public about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Vivour-Adeniyi previously coordinated the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team before the DSVA was established in 2021 through a new law signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Her approach involves coordinating services across multiple sectors, including justice, health, and social welfare, to provide comprehensive support to those affected by violence. The agency now extends its work beyond simply receiving reports, reaching out to communities, schools, and religious organizations to raise awareness.
Between September 2021 and July 2026, the DSVA received 33,009 cases of domestic and sexual violence through its various channels. Domestic violence accounted for the largest portion of these cases, with 13,515 reports. The agency has provided free legal support to 175 survivors, shelter for 40, and psychological services to 953 survivors, 267 perpetrators, and 304 children. They also conducted 501 rescue operations and secured over 160 convictions in SGBV-related cases with the support of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Currently, the DSVA is emphasizing prevention through statewide campaigns that reached nearly 2 million residents. These campaigns include school outreach programs, community dialogues, and training for educators and religious counselors. As Lagos observes Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in September 2026, Vivour-Adeniyi hopes to move beyond simply raising awareness to fostering collective responsibility and preventing violence before it starts.
