The “Eko Haven,” which will act as a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, has been launched by the Lagos State Government.
The shelter is a component of the state government’s commitment to making sure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) receive comprehensive support, says Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that the shelter in Lagos’ Ikorodu axis has a 30-bed capacity and offers emergency shelter services to high-risk victims of domestic abuse.
According to her, the opening of the shelter was the state government’s quick response to the growing need to assure life preservation, safety, stability, and empowerment, as well as the subsequent reintegration of survivors back into society.
“The establishment of Eko Haven is in keeping with the DSVA’s statutory mandate to establish shelters across all divisions of the state.
“With this intervention, we seek to give victims of abusive relationships the confidence to speak up and speak out while knowing that support is available at any time.
“In addition to housing, Eko Haven would also integrate and make available to survivors health, psychosocial support, and livelihood support.
“Through empowerment exercises, self- and legal advocacy, and internal psychological assistance, our empathetic staff would offer full support to help survivors manage their trauma.
“With on-site security measures and a gated entry, this shelter home is housed in a private location.”
She further added that anyone who has experienced domestic abuse should know that they are not alone and that help is available if they call the Domestic abuse Hotline at 08000 333 333 or go to the DSVA office at Nobel House, Plot A, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District, Alausa.
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