Lagos trains Unilever, journalists on domestic, sexual violence

October 11, 2015 – In line with the mandate of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to increase awareness of sexual and gender based violence issues across the State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) at the weekend engaged staff of Unilever Nigeria Plc, as well as media practitioners on the various initiatives being taken to curb such incidents in Lagos.

Over 100 members of Unilever staff attended the event which featured interactive session.

Coordinator of the DSVRT, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the session was a continuation of the existing partnership between both bodies, which saw the Vaseline, Close Up and Lux brands provide support at a recent engagement session between the DSVRT and market men and women association in the state led by the Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo.

She said the DSVRT also in partnership with the State Accountability Voice Initiative (SAVI) engaged over 50 media practitioners from 30 media houses on sexual and ender based violence and how to report incidents.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the participants were informed of the various laws, including the Child’s Rights Law, 2007, Domestic Violence Law and the relevant sexual provisions in the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

“They were also informed of support services available but most importantly, best practices in reporting cases of SGBV in the media. They were also enlightened about the psychosocial impact that the crimes have on victims, the issue of confidentiality, societal perceptions of these issues and the need to always present two sides of the story”.

“They were also urged to see themselves as advocates against Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The media representatives, on behalf of their media houses, gave renewed commitments in ensuring that issues of SGBV remain on the front burner and that deterrence message will characterize their reporting and that their coverage will also enlighten their subscribers on steps available in reaching out to the relevant agencies on SGBV issues”, she said.