The Lagos State government has officially launched a new digital application aimed at addressing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence cases. The initiative, unveiled by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Tuesday, introduces the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS), designed to optimize the management of such cases across the state.
During the launch, Titilola Viviour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the DSVA, emphasized the importance of the platform in ensuring effective case management. She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, provided an opportunity for service providers and the state government to assess existing systems, identify gaps, and devise strategies to enhance service delivery.
"The need to standardize response mechanisms in Lagos State led to the support from the Joint EU-UN Spotlight initiative," Ms. Viviour-Adeniyi explained. This collaboration facilitated the development of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Unified Response Protocol and Referral Pathway Document, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and was ratified in 2021.
A significant aspect of this initiative is the creation of the Case Management Mobile Application, which is accessible on both Android and iOS devices, as well as through a web portal. Currently, the handling and management of sexual and gender-based violence cases are conducted manually, which can hinder timely service delivery.
"This manual process slows down the provision of services, especially since responders are obligated to act swiftly in cases of sexual and gender-based violence," Ms. Viviour-Adeniyi stated. "With the DSVCMS, we can efficiently attend to cases, make necessary referrals to responder agencies, and manage cases digitally, thereby optimizing our operational efficiency."
The DSVCMS aims to enhance the ability to follow up on cases and ensure that all relevant responder agencies—including the police, healthcare providers, social services, and non-governmental organizations—can fulfill their roles effectively.
Ms. Viviour-Adeniyi highlighted the importance of adopting a technologically advanced system for reporting and managing cases, especially in an era where confidentiality is paramount. She warned that reliance on social media platforms for such sensitive matters could compromise the privacy of victims.
In a goodwill message, Yinka Akhibu from the UN Resident Coordinator Office commended the Lagos State government for successfully implementing this digital platform to manage sexual and gender-based violence cases, underscoring the significance of this initiative in the fight against violence in the community.
The launch of the DSVCMS marks a critical step toward improving the response to domestic and sexual violence in Lagos, providing a structured and efficient approach to case management that prioritizes the needs and safety of victims.
No comments