Lagos Upgrades Five Police Divisions to Boost Response to Sexual, Domestic Violence
Korede Abdullah 
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has expanded its response to domestic and sexual violence by upgrading five additional police divisions into Family Support Units (FSUs) and training officers on survivor-centred investigation techniques.
The initiative, implemented through the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Police Command, covers the Isheri, Idimu, Meiran, Ijesha and Iju (Red House) divisions.
As part of the programme, 24 police officers attached to the newly established FSUs and the Gender Desk of the Lagos State Police Command underwent specialised training on handling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
The two-day training, held between September 3 and 4 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre in Ikeja, focused on evidence collection, forensic procedures, case documentation, survivor referral systems and inter-agency collaboration.
Participants also received practical instruction on child-friendly interviewing techniques, human rights standards, evidence preservation and legal procedures required for successful prosecution.
The officers were introduced to the RE-S-PONSE framework, which promotes Respect, Empathy, Supportiveness, Positivity, Openness and Non-judgmental engagement with survivors.
Speaking during the programme, DSVA Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said professional investigations remain critical to improving access to justice and strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system.
She commended officers serving in Family Support Units and Gender Desks for their dedication to protecting survivors and ensuring accountability for offenders.
Participants called for continuous capacity building for law enforcement personnel and stronger legal protection for parents and guardians pursuing justice for sexually abused children.
According to the agency, the expansion of the Family Support Units will improve access to specialised, survivor-focused services and strengthen coordinated responses to domestic and sexual violence across Lagos communities.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
