Aug. 15, 2023
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has conducted support and healing group therapy sessions for over 50 male perpetrators of domestic violence.
The DSVA Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
Vivour-Adeniyi said that the intervention programme was created as a result of the rise in domestic violence in the state.
“The objective of the programme was hinged on psychosocial wellness of the citizenry following the alarming increase in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, according to statistical data gathered as a result of research conducted by the agency.
“The support and healing group session aims at psycho-educating perpetrators of SGBV on better ways to manage their emotions, when triggered,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi said that research showed that most perpetrators are victims of similar traumas as children.
“There was a need to help the perpetrators heal from their childhood traumas that may have contributed to their abusive behaviour in adulthood.
“The sessions will make perpetrators accountable, and ensure they take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming their victims for their actions.
“It would also assist perpetrators in unlearning unhealthy negative coping skills that have led to violence in the past.
“It will equip them with healthy coping skills to manage their anger, communicate effectively and maintain peaceful and harmonious relationships,” the agency boss said.
The DSVA boss explained that the programme, which started on the 10th of June 2023 and ended on Aug. 9, 2023, were done on weekly basis for a period of eight weeks.
Vivour-Adeniyi assured that the sessions would continue, especially for survivors who were desirous of remaining in the relationship but, however, wanted the abuse to stop. (NAN)
