Sexual Assault: DSVA Trains Healthcare Workers

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi has advocated a change in mindset concerning rape and other sexual violence crimes in society.

Speaking at a training organised by the Agency for Healthcare Workers across the State on the prevention and management of sexual assault cases, Vivour-Adeniyi said there is a need for a changed mindset concerning the current practice where sexual violence and abuses are downplayed, adding that this will curb the menace and encourage survivors to seek the necessary support.

According to her, the training seeks to further equip healthcare workers with psycho-social support skills in addition to the primary role of providing clinical management service to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, amongst others.

In her words: “The training was organised to equip healthcare workers who play an integral role in the management of domestic and sexual violence, especially as first responders. This would ensure that survivors are comfortable enough to speak their truth as well as be informed on how to get Justice and access various welfare packages that have been made available by the State Government”.

“The Doctors and Nurses in Lagos State serve as mandated reporters by virtue of their positions to escalate cases of sexual abuse, especially when it concerns minors; inform the survivors of their rights; give the needed support services and ensure proper documentation for the purpose of getting justice”, she added.

Vivour-Adeniyi expressed optimism that with heightened awareness occasioned by continued community engagement programmes, society would be better equipped to respond when survivors are brave enough to report.

While commending the Agency for organising the training, Dr. Adeola Adewusi, the Medical/Health Officer of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, said the training is important for all healthcare workers, particularly doctors who work in rural areas where domestic and sexual violence crime is rampant.

He also suggested that the dissemination of sensitisation materials produced in indigenous languages would further assist in combating illiteracy, a major cause of domestic and sexual violence in many areas.