Sexual Abuse: Lagos State Govt Tasks Parents On Vigilance During Yuletide

The Executive Secretary, Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, has called on parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children, especially during this festive period.

The Executive Secretary gave the advice recently in her office following the increase in reported cases of children being sexually abused, pointing out that the issue is becoming alarming and parents and guardians must be extra vigilant at all times.

Decrying the worrisome trend, the Executive Secretary said some perpetrators, particularly people that are well known to children, take advantage of their position to sexually assault children.

Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged parents and guardians to use the opportunity of the festive period to bond and fellowship with their children, stressing the need for them to teach children about their rights, monitor what children are being exposed to, teach them how to set boundaries and inform them to always speak up when they find themselves in any uncomfortable situation.

She also encouraged parents and guardians to take advantage of free resources on the Agency’s website www.dsvalagos.org, especially resources on “Safeguarding the Rights of a Child”, “Books for Children” as well as the booklet on “What you Must Know about Child Abuse”.

“We are leaving no stone unturned with our holistic approach and the collaborative efforts of relevant responder agencies once the referral pathway is activated for the safety of survivors”, the Executive Secretary added.

Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the State Government’s resolve in ensuring survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence are able to access immediate help, irrespective of the holiday season and urged residents to report all cases of domestic and sexual violence via the toll-free line – 08000 333 333, even during the festive period.