TheCable

The Lagos state government has vowed to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence.

Adeniji Kazeem, attorney-general and commissioner for justice, disclosed this at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Kazeem said under the current administration, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) had handled a total of 192 cases.

Out of the 192 cases, Kazeem said the government handled 89 domestic violence cases, 62 defilement cases, 18 rape cases, 6 attempted rape, 10 child neglect and 7 child abuse cases, while 92 cases are presently being heard in court.

“Let me sound a note of warning here that no matter how highly placed you are in the society, if you commit any domestic violence crime, Lagos State will go after you and prosecute you in court,” he said.

Kazeem said the government under the administration of Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of the state, has a zero tolerance for issues relating to domestic violence and child abuse and would not relent until the scourge is reduced to the barest minimum.

He said agencies of government, including DSVRT, office of public defender (OPD) and the directorate of public prosecutions (DPP), among others, have been mandated to ensure that while perpetrators of the act are brought to justice, victims of domestic violence are given succor towards their rehabilitation.

“As regards provision of shelter for victims, the ministries of women affairs and poverty alleviation and youth and social development as well as strategic partners NGOs have played key roles in ensuring that victims were evacuated to a safer environment of shelter homes,” he said.

“All the victims of sexual assault received medical attention from Mirabel Centre and State Hospitals, and so far, 50 of such cases were charged to court.

“As we all know the issues of gender violence, violence against children and all forms of inhuman treatment against the less privileged has been a very critical issue for Governor Ambode. Right from when he was sworn in, he had said that this issue was going to be something he would pursue with passion and diligence.”

Kazeem said DSVRT would hold a free clinic for victims of domestic violence and rape at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat on Friday. He also advised victims in need of counseling to get across to the agency through 08137960048.