The Lagos State government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, has inaugurated the “EKO HAVEN”, a shelter designed to provide a safe haven for survivors.
This momentous step underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to offering comprehensive support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
At the grand opening, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, emphasized the urgent need for the shelter, located in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos, to cater to survivors in dire situations.
With a capacity of 30 beds, the EKO HAVEN will serve as a sanctuary for high-risk survivors of domestic violence, offering immediate shelter and care.
Vivour-Adeniyi further highlighted that the establishment of EKO HAVEN aligns perfectly with DSVA’s core mandate of establishing shelters across all divisions of the state.
This crucial intervention aims to preserve lives, ensure safety, provide stability, empower survivors, and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.
She expressed optimism that the shelter would empower survivors trapped in abusive relationships to break the culture of silence, emboldening them to speak up and seek assistance knowing that help is just a phone call away.
In addition to offering accommodation, EKO HAVEN will integrate various support services such as healthcare, psychosocial support, and livelihood assistance, fostering holistic healing and empowerment.
According to Vivour- Adeniyi, “the establishment of Eko Haven is in keeping with the DSVA’s statutory mandate of establishing shelters across all Divisions of the State. With this intervention, it is our 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”.
“Asides from providing accommodation, health, psychosocial support as well as 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 psychosocial support”.
The launch of EKO HAVEN represents a monumental milestone in the battle against domestic violence, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for survivors.
By offering a secure space and an array of supportive services, the Lagos State government is taking proactive steps to combat this pervasive issue and provide survivors with the tools they need to reclaim their lives.
