*The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency says provision of psycho-social support is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing a holistic response to sexual and gender-based violence in the state

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

As part of practical measures to curb sexual and gender-based violence in the cosmopolitan state, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has begun the provision of psychological support for willing sex offenders.

ConsumerConnect reports Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), disclosed this development in a statement issued Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Lagos.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

The DSVA Executive Secretary said the regulatory agency was implementing the rehabilitation programme in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Lagos State Command, and the Institute of Counselling of Nigeria.

Vivour-Adeniyi said: “It is aimed at mitigating the risk of recidivism by sex offenders.

“It is imperative that incarcerated adult sex offenders are rehabilitated and supported to reduce the possibility of them perpetrating the same crime if eventually they are reintegrated into the society.”

The agency further noted that provision of psycho-social support, is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing a holistic response to sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

The LASG stated that the programme was targeted at convicts from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Apapa, and Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi.

Held in sessions and groups, the government further noted the programme, is facilitated by a group of trained psychologists from DSVA and the Institute of Counselling on weekly basis.

According to Vivour-Adeniyi, inmates are expected to take responsibility for their actions and be enlightened on healthy sexuality.

She said: “Furthermore, inmates are armed with peer and professional support to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours that lead to inappropriate sexual behaviours.

“The inmates would also learn specialised strategies to deal with sexual addiction and sexually compulsive behaviours, among many other positive coping skills.”

The statement as well noted: “While the rehabilitation programme does not offer amnesty or excuse abusive acts, it seeks to reduce any reoccurrence of child sexual abuse and rape cases from sex convicts in future.”