Domestic violence: Lagos Assembly seeks counselling units in schools

The Lagos State House of Assembly has emphasised the need for a proactive approach in addressing domestic and sexual violence in the state.

At a sitting presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, the house stressed the importance of establishing guidance and counselling units in schools and religious institutions as a way to reach out to the public and prevent such violence.

The house also called on the Ministry of Information to continue its enlightenment campaigns.

Obasa pointed out the complexities involved in cases of domestic violence, particularly the impact on children.

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“We thank the agencies in Lagos for their continuous efforts in raising awareness among residents.

“However, no law can entirely eliminate any crime. We must go beyond sensitisation and help people understand why relationships, which should be loving, sometimes turn sour,” Obasa said.

He questioned the effectiveness of interventions that involved removing children from their homes, asking, “If we take children away from their parents, who will care for them as their parents would? Even when NGOs intervene and ensure separation, what happens after the separation?”

The speaker also expressed concern about the lifestyle choices of some young people, particularly boys in their teens, doing everything they can to own homes in affluent areas like Lekki, and young girls who spent days out of school with the aim to make money.