Efforts to strengthen the medical response to sexual and domestic violence cases in Lagos have received a boost, with the state Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency training 50 medical social workers and launching a separate capacity-building programme for doctors.
The training, conducted in partnership with the state Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Board, is aimed at improving psychosocial, clinical and forensic support for survivors.
The social workers were trained on September 3 in active listening, empathy and survivor-centred care.
The agency has also begun a two-day training for doctors at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, covering sexual assault, survivors’ rights, rape kits and mandatory reporting.
Participants are receiving practical training on medical examination, treatment, documentation, referrals and forensic evidence collection.
The forensic sessions include DNA collection, rape-kit use and medico-legal procedures. DSVA Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said health workers must respond to survivors “with skill and sensitivity.”
The agency says the programmes are designed to strengthen coordination among responders and ensure survivors receive appropriate care from their first contact with the health system.
