The Lagos State Government has established a shelter for victims of domestic violence through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
The agency’s spokesperson, Joke Ladenegan-Oginni, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, said during the opening of the shelter in Ikotodu that the Open-haven, a building with a 30-bed capacity, was built to offer immediate shelter services to high-risk survivors of domestic violence.
She said, “The opening of the shelter is the state government’s prompt response to the burgeoning demand to ensure the preservation of life, safety, stability, empowerment, and subsequently the reintegration of Survivors back into society.
“Eko Haven is established to promote hope so that survivors in abusive relationships would find the courage to break the culture of silence, speak up and speak out with the assurance that help is just a CALL away”.
Vivour-Adeniyi also noted that the government would through this intervention provide other forms of support, adding that the shelter is at a confidential location with strong security.
“Asides from providing accommodation, health, psychosocial support as well as livelihood support would also be integrated and made available for survivors through Eko Haven”.
“Our compassionate staff would offer comprehensive support to help survivors address their trauma through empowerment activities, personal and legal advocacy and in-house psychosocial support”.
“The shelter is hosted at a confidential location with on-site security precautions and a gated entry”.
She assured victims and survivors of domestic violence that they are not alone and that there is help accessible, she urged them to reach out to DSVA through their number, 08000 333 333, or visit their office located at Nobel House, Plot A, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District. Alausa.”