June 16, 2023

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has commenced the provision of Support and Healing Group Sessions for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence.

Executive Secretary DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the commencement of the programme is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s commitment and resolve to provide a holistic response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the State.

She said the worrisome increase in cases of Domestic Violence has informed the necessity to address the trend, adding that the programme would tackle the root causes of domestic violence and support while the healing group sessions would help identify and address the underlying factors contributing to the perpetrator’s violent behaviour.

Vivour-Adeniyi opined that results from research had shown that domestic violence cases stem from deep-seated issues such as unresolved trauma, anger management problems, substance abuse or learned patterns of violence.

She disclosed that without psychological intervention there is a risk that perpetrators may continue the cycle of violence in their relationships or pass it on to future generations, hence through strategic intervention, they can gain insight into these factors and develop healthier coping strategies and also break the cycle of violence that the support and healing group sessions can avail.

Vivour-Adeniyi also revealed that the structured intervention sessions would enable perpetrators to gain insights into alternative coping mechanisms, conflict resolution skills and healthy relationship dynamics.