By Kemi Akintokun
The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs (WAPA) has underscored the need for counselling, psychosocial support and community-based interventions for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, made this known on Tuesday in Ikeja, at a one-day sensitisation programme on Mental Health for survivors of GBV.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme is “Building Resilience and Gaining Access to Services”.
Dada said that these services were central to strengthening survivors’ resilience, improving awareness of available support systems, and ensuring timely access to care, justice and social protection.
According to her, the theme of the programme reflects a collective responsibility to move survivors beyond survival, towards healing, empowerment and restored dignity.
”This programme speaks to a truth we can no longer ignore; the scars of GBV are not always visible, yet they are often the most enduring.
“While physical wounds may heal, the emotional and psychological effects of abuse can persist long after the violence has ended, affecting survivors’ confidence, decision-making, and ability to rebuild their lives.
“Mental health remains a critical, yet frequently overlooked aspect of the live experiences of survivors of domestic violence.
“Beyond physical injuries, many survivors endure anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, emotional instability, low self-esteem and deep trauma.
“Through this sensitisation programme, WAPA Domestic Violence Unit is reinforcing the importance of counselling, psychosocial support, safe spaces and community-based interventions,” she said.
Dada said that WAPA had consistently championed survivor-centred interventions to combat SGBV.
She said that this had been through continuous community sensitisation, stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives, designed to ensure that no survivor is left behind.
The commissioner added that the ministry played an active role in the recent launch of the Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy, particularly within educational and institutional settings.
She asserted that under the leadership of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the state remains committed to protecting the dignity, rights and well-being of women, children and other vulnerable persons.
“These efforts align squarely with the THEMES: Agenda of the State Government, particularly in advancing social inclusion, human capital development, and security for all residents,” she said.
She urged women to acquire skills as an avenue to generate source of income, noting that 80 per cent of women who remained in abusive marriages or relationships are jobless.
The commissioner also urged women to take advantage of the 19 skills acquisition centres in the five division of the state, to learn a craft, after which they would be empowered.
A resource person at the programme, Mrs Bola Idowu, spoke on the need for psychological support, healthy routine, positive mindset and seeking help as part of prevention and management of depression.
Idowu said that women and girls account for the highest percentage of GBV cases reported, noting that men also suffer some forms of domestic violence.
She urged victims to seek timely help, adding that untreated emotional pain and trauma delays healing.
Some of the survivors, who narrated their ordeals, commended the Lagos State government for its effort in the fight against GBV.
They called for more support for victims as well as swift enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sandra Umeh
