The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said it has introduced two innovations aimed at enhancing access to support services for survivors and mandated reporters, which align with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to providing holistic support and justice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
According to DSVA, the first innovation, Ask INU (I Need You), is a WhatsApp-based AI chatbox designed to provide immediate information and referrals, as users can access timely, confidential, and accurate information about available support services, by simply sending a message to 0812 893 7058 on WhatsApp.
Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the tool ensures that survivors and those assisting them are empowered with critical knowledge of the resources at their disposal.
She noted that additionally, Lagos DSVA launched a Self-Reporting Tool via the Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS).
By visiting lagosdsvcms.org and clicking on the “Report” tab, survivors and mandated reporters can securely submit key case details.
This tool, according to Vivour-Adeniyi, also allows users to upload crucial evidence, including pictures, audio or video recordings, and medical reports. Strengthening evidence collection and preservation is a vital step in ensuring swift and effective justice.
Also, that the intervention is particularly significant, considering that about 60 per cent of survivors who originally had pictorial, documentary, or audio evidence of abuse either misplace it, accidentally or voluntarily delete it, or have their devices destroyed by their abusive partners.
She further said: “With this portal, survivors can securely store and retrieve their evidence when investigations commence or whenever they are ready to seek justice.
“The improved collection and preservation of evidence will play a key role in building survivors’ cases and strengthening the prosecution of domestic violence cases in Lagos State—an area that has previously faced significant challenges.
“These efforts reflect the Agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to break the culture of silence, provide seamless access to support for survivors, and ensure perpetrator accountability.
“With these innovations, Lagos State continues to set the pace in the fight against domestic and sexual violence—ensuring survivors receive the support and justice they deserve while actively working to prevent future occurrences and reduce such incidents to the barest minimum.”
