The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has sounded the alarm to alert Parents and Guardians in the State to be extra vigilant in the monitoring and protection of children and wards during this festive period.
The Executive Secretary revealed that the historical trend from available data points to children being at a higher risk of being sexually abused during the festive season.
In a statement signed by Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni of Lagos DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi, urged parents and caregivers to be more vigilant and watchful over their children in their care during this period.
“It is important for us to limit any opportunity for paedophiles to perpetrate the heinous act. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use this period to empower their children on body safety techniques, including how to set boundaries, good touch, bad touch, and Age appropriate teaching.”
She also encouraged parents to take advantage of resources curated on safeguarding and child protection which are available on the DSVA website- http://lagosdsva.org
She also highlighted the fact that over the years, the agency has recorded an increase in formal and informal reporting of domestic violence during the Yuletide period.
She therefore reiterated the State Government’s zero tolerance for all forms of Gender-Based Violence even as she buttressed the fact that violence should never be the response to resolving conflict, especially during this festive period.
Whilst restating the Agency’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted service delivery during the Yuletide season, she urged anybody experiencing either domestic or sexual violence to take advantage of the toll-free line- 08000-333-333 which remains accessible 24/7, 365 days a week.
