The Lagos State Governmemt through the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in partnership with the Primary Health Care Board recently engaged 40 newly recruited doctors drawn from the 20 Local Government/Council Development Areas in an intensive training on sexual assault management services.

“The three-day non-residential training which was held on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of August, 2022 respectively at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Ikeja, was facilitated by medical experts – Dr. Sodipo Oluwajimi (Family Physician, Head Family Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital), Dr. Veronica Iwayemi (Reproductive Rights and Health Focal Officer, Primary Health Care Board) and Mrs. Omotola Rotimi (Legal practitioner and SGBV Expert).

“In an introductory speech, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated that there is a compelling need to train the newly recruited doctors, to effectively respond to the issues of sexual assault in their respective Primary Health Centres in the State.

“She also reminded health workers of the establishment of the Sexual Intervention Fund which now makes the access to medical services FREE for survivors at all designated State health facilities.

“During the training, participants were exposed to various topics, which include Responding to Sexual Assault -Direct Patient Care, Medico Legal Issues in Management of Sexual assault as well as the use of Medical Assessment Tools ranging from rape kits, medical report sheets, to enhance and ensure optimal service delivery. This will ultimately facilitate examination and management of patients after sexual assault, and improve the quality and documentation of evidence collection.

“The Training is in furtherance of Mr. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s resolve in ensuring that all individuals, especially, survivors of sexual assault, irrespective of their status are able to receive comprehensive and professional medical care post-assault.”