Lagos opens ‘Eko Haven’ to shelter survivors of domestic, sexual violence

The Lagos government has established a shelter named “Eko Haven” for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

The shelter, which is a 30-bed space facility situated at the Ikorodu axis of Lagos, was built to provide immediate shelter services to high-risk survivors of domestic violence.

Speaking during the opening of the shelter, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the executive secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said the facility was built as a prompt to the “burgeoning demand” for the preservation of life, stability, and reintegration of survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

She added that the facility aligns with the statutory mandate of DSVA on establishing shelters across all divisions of the state.

“With this intervention, we hope that survivors in abusive relationships would find the courage to break the culture of silence, speak up, and speak out, with the assurance that help is just a call away,” she said.

“Asides from providing accommodation, health and psycho-social support, livelihood support would also be integrated and made available for survivors through Eko Haven.

“Our compassionate staff would offer comprehensive support to help survivors address their trauma, through empowerment activities, personal and legal advocacy, and in-house psycho-social support.

“The shelter is hosted at a location with on-site security precautions and a gated entry.

“Please reach out to us on 08000 333 333 or at our office located at Nobel House, Plot A, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District, Alausa.”