The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Tuesday underscored the importance of counseling, 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, stated this in Ikeja at a one-day mental health sensitization programme for survivors of GBV.
The theme of the programme was “Building Resilience and Gaining Access to Services.”
Dada said such services were crucial 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 reflects a collective responsibility to move survivors beyond mere survival towards healing, empowerment and the restoration of 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 lived 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 sensitization programme, the WAPA Domestic Violence Unit is reinforcing the importance of counseling, psychosocial support, safe spaces and community-based interventions,” she said.
Dada said the ministry had consistently championed survivor-centred interventions to combat sexual and gender-based violence through continuous community sensitization, stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns and capacity-building initiatives.
She 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.
The commissioner noted that under the leadership of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state government remained committed to protecting the dignity, rights and well-being of women, children and other vulnerable persons.
“These efforts align with the THEMES Agenda of the state government, particularly in advancing social inclusion, human capital development and security for all residents,” she said.
Dada urged women to acquire vocational skills as a means of generating income, noting that about 80 per cent of women who remain in abusive marriages or relationships are unemployed.
She also encouraged women to take advantage of the 19 skills acquisition centres across the five divisions of the state, where they can learn various crafts and be empowered.
A resource person at the programme, Mrs Bola Idowu, emphasized the importance of psychological support, healthy routines, a positive mindset and seeking help in preventing and managing depression.
Idowu said women and girls account for the highest proportion of reported GBV cases, though men also experience certain forms of domestic violence.
She urged victims to seek timely assistance, noting that untreated emotional pain and trauma could delay healing.
Some survivors who shared their experiences at the event commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts in combating GBV.
They called for increased support for victims and swift enforcement of laws to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
