The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ministry of Justice, has trained legal practitioners to strengthen the prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in the state.
According to a statement on Thursday, the one-day capacity-building workshop, held on October 28, focused on addressing practical challenges in prosecuting SGBV cases, improving legal practitioners’ competence and promoting access to justice for survivors.
Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the importance of equipping lawyers with the knowledge and practical skills required to handle SGBV cases effectively.
She highlighted the need for diligent prosecution, proper case preparation and a survivor-centred approach that ensures victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the justice process.
Vivour-Adeniyi said effective prosecution was critical to securing justice for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable, adding that collaboration among justice-sector stakeholders was essential to strengthening the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Adebayo Harun, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Adebanke Ogunrode, emphasised professionalism, accountability and adherence to prosecutorial standards in handling SGBV cases.
He urged participating lawyers to apply the knowledge gained from the training to improve case management, evidence presentation and courtroom practice.
Harun also stressed the need for better coordination between the DPP and private legal practitioners assigned to prosecute cases, noting that closer collaboration would improve prosecution outcomes and access to justice for survivors.
The workshop featured sessions on trauma-informed care and counselling, judicial expectations in SGBV prosecution, and the role of the DPP in handling such cases.
Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Health and Information, Atinuke Odukoya, facilitated a session on trauma-informed care and counselling. She addressed the effects of trauma on survivors, sensitive communication, the prevention of re-traumatisation and appropriate referrals for psychosocial support.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, High Court of Lagos State, led a session on judicial expectations in SGBV prosecution, examining evidentiary requirements, witness testimony, effective presentation of evidence, courtroom conduct and common prosecution challenges.
Harun also facilitated a session on the role of the DPP in SGBV cases, highlighting case management, professional accountability, communication and coordination between the directorate and private legal practitioners.
The workshop reinforced the need to combine sound legal knowledge with professionalism, diligence and sensitivity to survivors’ experiences.
The DSVA reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to justice and supporting a responsive, survivor-centred justice system that promotes accountability and effective prosecution of domestic and sexual violence cases across Lagos State.
