By 
Kenny EMMAN
In line with its declaration of zero tolerance for all form of Sexual, Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) crimes in the state, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has simplified version of SGBV law which provides for the Gender-based Violence desk in every local government in the state to enable people report cases of SGBV.
Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), made the announcement on the agency’s official Twitter handle on Tuesday.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the state government had enacted laws and formulated policies all geared toward preventing, providing and supporting the survivors of SGBV.
“In demonstration of the state government’s resolve to eradicating SGBV, the DSVA was established to ensure total eradication of the menace in the state.
“The relevant laws on domestic and sexual violence which include Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 2015, Criminals Law of Lagos
State, 2015 and Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021, were simplified to provide holistic response to issue of SGBV.’
Vivour-Adeniyi said that the law among other things establishes the Lagos State DSVA and the sex offenders register.
“The purpose of the law is to protect survivors of SGBV from all forms of discrimination, stigmatisation and ensure that they have access to medical legal and counselling assistance.
“The law further provides for the Gender-based Violence desk in every local government in the state to enable people report cases of SGBV.
“According to Section 2(3) of the DSVA Law, it encourages individual such as a counsellor, teacher, health service provider, police officer, social worker, NGOs, parent, family member to file an application on behalf of a victim.
“A person who also has an interest in the well-being of the victim can also apply on behalf of victim of SGBV.”
The DSVA law, Section 364 provides three years imprisonment for sexual harassment, section 267 stipulates three years jail term for bestiality.
“Section 265 provides five years for engaging a person in sexual activity without consent.
“According to Sections 268-269, abducting a female with intention of having sexual intercourse with her is seven years but if the person is under 18 years, the penalty is 10 years imprisonment if found guilty,” she said.
DSVA said the court was empowered to grant an order protecting the applicant and such order could be served on the abuser.
“The court can make different order such as stopping the abuser for further committing domestic violence, prohibiting the abuser from enlisting the help of another person to commit such crime.
“Restraining the abuser from entering the residence shared with the complainant and entering the victim’s place of work and compelling a
police officer to accompany the victim to a specific place, home to collect personal property,” it said.
According to DSVA, the court can also grant certain maintenance order which include; payment of children school fees, house fee, feeding and monthly expenses.
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