The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has unveiled two new initiatives aimed at improving access to support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as for mandated reporters.
In a statement released on Friday, the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combating domestic and sexual violence.
The first initiative, Ask INU (I Need You), is a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot designed to offer immediate information and referrals to those in need.
‘’By simply sending a message to 0812 893 7058 on WhatsApp, users can access timely, confidential, and accurate information about available support services. This tool ensures that survivors and those assisting them are empowered with critical knowledge of the resources at their disposal,’’ the statement read.
According to Oginni, ‘’This tool also allows users to upload crucial evidence, including pictures, audio or video recordings, and medical reports. Strengthening evidence collection and preservation is a vital step in ensuring swift and effective justice’’.
‘’By visiting lagosdsvcms.org and clicking on the “Report” tab, survivors and mandated reporters can securely submit key case details’’.
‘’This intervention is particularly significant, considering that about 60% of survivors who originally had pictorial, documentary, or audio evidence of abuse either misplaced it, accidentally or voluntarily deleted it, or had their devices destroyed by their abusive partners.’’
‘’With this portal, survivors can securely store and retrieve their evidence when investigations commence or whenever they are ready to seek justice’’.
‘’The improved collection and preservation of evidence will play a key role in building survivors’ cases and strengthening the prosecution of domestic violence cases in Lagos State—an area that has previously faced significant challenges.’’.
According to Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, these efforts reflect the Agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to break the culture of silence, provide seamless access to support for survivors and ensure perpetrator accountability.
With these innovations, Lagos State continues to set the pace in the fight against domestic and sexual violence—ensuring survivors receive the support and justice they deserve while actively working to prevent future occurrences and reduce such incidents to the barest minimum.