The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa has said there is a need to eradicate the root causes of Domestic and Sexual Violence by finding lasting solutions to the issues.
The Speaker said this when the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly deliberated on the issues on the floor of the house and joined the Turn Lagos Purple campaign to commemorate the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
He added that members of the public should be periodically engaged whilst underscoring the importance for research to be commissioned to understand the root causes which would, in turn, aid in addressing the issues holistically.
Laying the issue on the floor of the House as a matter of urgent public importance, Hon. Princess Olumegbon informed her fellow members of the various forms of SGBV, stressing that the state has declared zero tolerance on the menace.
Hon. Ladi Ajomale, whilst supporting the motion, stressed that cultural norms and some religious factors consciously or unconsciously encourage the perpetration of SGBV in some communities, emphasising the negative impact domestic violence can have on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of victims.
He, therefore, encouraged the state to strengthen its resolve in ensuring prevention campaigns are carried out and the male folk are encouraged to join the fight against GBV.
Hon. Oshafile also commended the State Government on the efforts made thus far, advocating for the need to strengthen the laws that regulate criminal conduct and ensure men and boys are adequately engaged while improving data collection to better understand the issues.
In a similar vein, Hon. Ogunleye commended Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke SanwOlu for the Boy-child Campaign and re-emphasised the need to strengthen family systems and to ensure children are brought up with the right values.
On his part, Hon. Oluwa highlighted the fact that GBV cuts across both genders, and there was a need for advocacy to take cognisance of this fact. He also stressed the need to strengthen law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators are held accountable whilst survivors must be protected and encouraged to speak up.
Hon. Yishawu harped on the prevalence of Domestic and Sexual Violence, he re-emphasised the importance of breaking the culture of silence, and the need to ensure cases are escalated to appropriate quarters. He further underscored the importance of the State in investing in infrastructure, the establishment of shelters and other support services.
The Distinguished members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were all adorned with purple ribbons which is the colour for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
