Lagos Opens Eko Haven as Shelter for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Government has opened the “Eko Haven,” which would serve as a shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

According to the Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA) DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the shelter is part of the state government’s commitment in ensuring that holistic support is provided for survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Vivour-Adeniyi revealed that the shelter located in Ikorodu axis of Lagos, is a 30-bed space capacity that could provide immediate shelter services to high-risk survivors of domestic violence.

She said that opening the shelter was the state government’s prompt response to the burgeoning demand to ensure preservation of life, safety, stability, empowerment and subsequently the reintegration of survivors back into society.

According to Vivour- Adeniyi, “the establishment of Eko Haven is in keeping with the DSVA’s statutory mandate of establishing shelters across all divisions of the state.

“With this intervention, it is our hope that survivors in abusive relationships would find the courage to break the culture of silence, speak up and speak out with the assurance that help is just a call away.

“Asides from providing accommodation, health, psychosocial support as well as livelihood support would also be integrated and made available for survivors through Eko Haven.

“Our compassionate staff would offer comprehensive support to help survivors address their trauma through empowerment activities, personal and legal advocacy and in-house psychosocial support.

“The shelter is hosted at a confidential location with on-site security precautions and a gated entry.”

She further assured that any victim or survivor of domestic violence should realise that they are not alone and there is help accessible if they call on 08000 333 333 or visit DSVA office at Nobel House, Plot A, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Central Business District, Alausa.