The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Police Command, has upgraded five additional police divisions into Family Support Units (FSUs) to strengthen the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence.
The newly upgraded units are located in Isheri, Idimu, Meiran, Ijesha and Iju (Red House).
As part of the initiative, 24 police officers from the newly upgraded FSUs and officers attached to the Gender Desk of the Lagos State Police Command participated in a two-day capacity-building programme organised by the DSVA.
The training was held from September 3 to 4, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa-Ikeja.
The programme focused on equipping officers with best practices for the investigation and prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, while strengthening evidence gathering, reporting, investigation and inter-agency collaboration.
Participants were exposed to technical presentations, case studies, interactive discussions and practical exercises covering human rights and legal frameworks, police reporting standards, handling cases involving women, men and children, medical and forensic reports, forensic evidence, investigative procedures and referral pathways for survivors.
The training also addressed child sexual abuse investigations, child-friendly interviewing, preservation of evidence, forensic medical examinations, interpretation of medical reports and timely referrals.
Facilitators included the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi; retired DSP Kenneth Emegwamor Okafor; Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo; Mr Babajide Boye; and the Head of Case Management at the DSVA, Mrs Oluwatumininu Oni.
Speaking during the programme, Vivour-Adeniyi commended officers serving in the FSUs and Gender Desks for their commitment to protecting survivors and facilitating access to justice.
She stressed that professional and effective investigation of SGBV cases was critical to ensuring accountability, building public confidence and improving outcomes for survivors.
The officers were also trained on survivor engagement using the RE-S-PONSE framework, which promotes Respect, Empathy, Supportiveness, Positivity, Openness and Non-judgmental conduct.
The programme further highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, prosecutors and other service providers.
Participants were sensitised to available state services, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, healthcare facilities, psychosocial support and legal assistance.
At the end of the training, participants called for sustained capacity building for law enforcement officers and stronger legal protection for parents of sexually abused children against threats and intimidation.
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