According to the Lagos State Government’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), 75% of survivors were aware of their spouses’ violent behaviours prior to marriage.
Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), stated this at a meeting with members of the Lagos State Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON).
She stated that despite being aware of their partners’ aggressive actions, some survivors married such persons, resulting in abusive marriages.
While DSVA ensures that survivors of domestic and sexual violence receive the necessary/available assistance and resources, she believes that prevention is the most effective means of tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) concerns.
She stated that one method of preventing such abuses is to engage APWECON (Alaga Ijoko/Iduro) in their responsibility in reducing the problem of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the state.
Vivour-Adeniyi went on to say that the agency was launching long-term and aggressive initiatives to combat the SGBV threat, and that partnering with APWECON was one of them.
According to the Executive Secretary, statistics reveal that marriages formed under customary law and conventional practise are the most popular types of solemnization.
She stated that at such ceremonies, the Alaga’s strategic and significant role in interacting with intended couples and attending participants must not be overlooked.
‘”Statistics from our agency show that more than 75% of customers reporting marital violence were aware of their spouses’ abusive behaviours yet continued with the relationship for a variety of reasons.
“In addition, 70% of these survivors submit to customary law and marriage.”
“We intend to infuse domestic violence advocacy into existing traditional marriage ceremonies conducted by Alagas in Lagos State, so that it has far-reaching effects.”
“This has given birth to the programme “Idile Alayo,” which, among other things, keeps many people informed about the growing trend of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence issues in Lagos State.”
“We are using this medium to implore you to use your influence as a traditional union official to advocate against domestic violence and preach the Zero Tolerance message.” “We can save our state from this destructive threat if we work together,” Vivour-Adeniyi remarked.
Mrs Matilda Shipeolu, Governor of APWECON, stated in her goodwill message that the event was a welcome attempt to improve their duties as comperes and establish a firm foundation for a violence-free household.
Shipeolu stated that the organisation has always made it a priority to address issues of sexual and gender-based abuse before, during, and after marriage.
She stated that the training has enhanced their understanding of innovative strategies for reducing domestic violence in society.
