The Lagos State Government says it is geared to tackle the perpetration of sexual, domestic and gender-based violence against Person With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said this at the One-Day Engagement with Persons with Disabilities on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, on Thursday at Ikeja.
Vivour-Adeniyi said that the issue of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence disproportionately affected persons with disabilities, a community that often faced multiple forms of discrimination and exclusion.
She said that the agency was deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, had access to justice, support, and protection from violence.
According to her, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence due to a variety of factors.
“These factors include physical and cognitive limitations, lack of awareness, and limited access to support services.
“This engagement provides a unique opportunity for us to come together, share experiences, and discuss strategies to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, in relation to sexual and gender-based violence.
“We will explore ways to enhance prevention efforts, improve access to justice, and provide comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of this community,” she said.
The executive secretary called on the PWDs to proffer ideas, recommendations and suggestions on ways to enhance prevention and remedial interventions, especially as it pertained to persons with disabilities.
“Your insights, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping our response to this pressing issue.
“Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone, including persons with disabilities, can live free from violence and discrimination,” she said.
Giving the goodwill message, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), said that the focus on protecting PWDs from domestic and sexual violence was timely and critical.
Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Mrs Faluso Adeolu, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, said that the programme was a vital step in creating safer environments for PWDs, both in their homes and the wider community.
She said that many PWDs faced the harsh reality of sexual and gender-based violence, often suffering in silence due to social and societal barriers.
According to her, the programme sends a strong message that no one should be left behind, and the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of disability, must be fully protected.
“This initiative is highly commendable as it provides PWDs with knowledge that can make a life-saving difference in times of crisis.
“This programme not only offers protection and support but also keep PWDs informed. By raising awareness, you are encouraging individuals to speak up, break the silence, and seek justice.
“Together, we can create a future where PWDs are empowered, protected, and free from all forms of violence,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Atinuke Odukoya, the Executive Director, Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), said that the programme was to empowering PWDs with information and knowledge on preventing and responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Odukoya said that it was our collective responsibility to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, was safe and free from all forms of gender-based violence.
“Today’s programme is designed to provide you with resources, information, support, and inspiration to tackle the issues of SGBV, hence, preventing occurrences within the person with disability clusters.
“Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can breakdown barriers, challenge misconceptions, and build a safer and more inclusive society for everyone,” she said.
