The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stressing the need for stronger support systems and economic opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.
The Agency made the commitment on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during its 2026 Survivor’s Day programme held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme, “Survivor’s Day: Breaking the Cycle, Building Hope.”
The event brought together survivors and stakeholders for discussions on healing, empowerment, resilience and the support required to help survivors move beyond their experiences of violence.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said survivors must remain at the centre of interventions against domestic and sexual violence.
She stressed the importance of creating an environment where survivors feel supported, heard and empowered to rebuild their lives.
Vivour-Adeniyi also appreciated Wema Bank, Poweroil and Kisskid for supporting the programme, noting that partnerships were important to advancing survivor-focused interventions.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Tolulope Oko-Igale, a Couple, Sex and Mental Health Therapist, spoke on “Healing After Violence: Reclaiming Your Voice, Identity and Future.”
The session focused on the emotional impact of violence and the importance of healing, self-worth and reclaiming one’s identity after experiencing abuse.
The programme also highlighted economic empowerment as a pathway to breaking the cycle of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking on the issue, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mrs Feyisola Alayande, emphasised the importance of economic opportunities and financial independence in helping survivors regain stability and build sustainable futures.
A key moment of the programme was the “Survivor Spotlight”, themed “My Journey from Survival to Hope,” which provided an opportunity for a survivor to share her personal experience and journey towards rebuilding her life after violence.
The programme also featured a wellness session facilitated by Ms Oyinkan Talabi, a Holistic Movement and Wellness Coach, while Mrs Ifeoma Nwonu of DSVA Programmes led an interactive session that allowed participants to engage, reflect and share their experiences.
The Agency said Survivor’s Day goes beyond commemorating survivors, serving instead as a reminder of the collective responsibility to strengthen support systems, promote survivor-centred responses and ensure that no survivor is left to navigate the recovery process alone.
DSVA reiterated that survival is not the end of the journey, stressing that with appropriate support, opportunities and safe spaces, survivors can move from surviving violence to rebuilding their lives with dignity, purpose and hope.