September 12, 2014 – Lagos State Government has embarked on harmonized approach to the prosecution of domestic and sexual violence offences in the state.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the Domestic and Sexual violence response team [DSVRT].
He said the team will co-ordinate and develop a community response to prevent domestic violence, protect and support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Ipaye said the purpose for the establishment of the Team is to increase victim safety and offender responsibility by providing a cross jurisdictional response that is uniform in approach in domestic violence cases.
“The establishment of DSVCT will be instrumental in the reduction of domestic and sexual related crimes and ultimately provide some succour to the victims of these heinous crimes in Lagos State’’.
While commending the efforts of the Police and other Community Service Organizations who are ‘working passionately with a view to tackling this menace’, Ipaye noted that it is important to harmonize this efforts and provide a coordinated response to this issue while working towards one common goal.
The Attorney-General said the Team is devoted to education and creation of awareness among all interest groups in order to prevent or reduce the incidence of sexual and domestic violence in the State.
He said, some of the responsibilities of the team includes risk assessment and safety planning for victims and children; conduct research on issues of sexual and domestic violence to improve the knowledge and appreciation of stakeholders and refer victims of sexual and domestic violence to relevant stakeholders for follow up action, including proper investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders and treatment of victims.
Ipaye said that an email address and website has being created while dedicated telephone lines (TollFree lines) would be available to members of the public, particularly victims who may wish to call and register complaint.
