FCID, DSVA Strengthen Partnership Against Domestic, Sexual Violence in Lagos

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in combating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence across Lagos State.

This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon U. Akpanudom, and members of his leadership team to the DSVA.

Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the agency, describing it as crucial to supporting survivors and ensuring access to justice.

She stressed the need for sustained care and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, noting that survivors often require comprehensive assistance to recover from the trauma associated with abuse.

Vivour-Adeniyi acknowledged the role of the police in investigating cases and securing convictions against perpetrators, adding that law enforcement efforts have contributed significantly to justice delivery for survivors.

According to her, collaboration between the DSVA and the police has improved survivor referral systems, strengthened prosecution efforts, enhanced inter-agency responses, increased confidence among victims to report cases, and reduced secondary victimisation through coordinated case management.

The DSVA boss also appealed for the establishment of a Gender-Based Violence Desk at the FCID Annex, Lagos, alongside capacity-building programmes for detectives and support for furnishing the proposed office.

Responding, Akpanudom expressed appreciation for the reception accorded his team and reaffirmed the FCID's commitment to professionalism, objectivity and adherence to established investigative procedures in handling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence cases.

He said the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between both institutions and enhancing responses to domestic assault, sexual violence and related offences across the state.

The AIG welcomed the proposal to establish a Gender-Based Violence Desk within the FCID Annex, describing it as evidence of the department's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the agency.

Akpanudom also praised the DSVA for establishing and effectively managing the Sexual Offenders Register, which he described as an important tool for monitoring offenders, supporting investigations and promoting accountability within the criminal justice system.

He further advocated the integration of relevant conviction records from the register into the Central Criminal Registry, noting that such a move would improve documentation, intelligence gathering and the tracking of repeat offenders.

The visit ended with both organisations reaffirming their resolve to deepen collaboration, adopt stronger victim-centred approaches and improve the criminal justice response to domestic and sexual violence cases in Lagos State.