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Lagos Trains Community Pharmacist on Domestic Violence Care

Lagos State Sexual Violence Agency have trained no fewer than 50 community licensed pharmacists on the provision of immediate care and referral services for survivors of domestic violence.

This was disclosed at the 3rd training for community licensed pharmacists organized by the agency on Saturday, 30th April,2022

Speaking at the training, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi said the training is necessary for licensed pharmacists as the pharmacy is a safe space for many survivors of domestic abuse seeking medical assistance.

She noted that community licensed pharmacies have consultation/ Counselling rooms which can serve as safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence to disclose their issues and receive assistance.

A legal practitioner and Sexual and Gender Based Violence expert, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi enlightened participants on the relevant laws that regulate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state whilst giving an overview of the support services available to survivors

Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, Executive Director of Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria facilitated the session on Gender Roles, Understanding Sexual and Gender and raising the index of suspicion.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Association of Community pharmacists , Lagos Branch, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator reiterated the Association’s commitment in ensuring that survivors of domestic violence who present themselves at their pharmacies would be able to access holistic care and support through effective referrals.

He however urged survivors of domestic violence to take advantage of the Speak to INU initiative and access help at their community licensed pharmacists as such cases will be treated confidentially.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had previously launched the Speak to INU ( I Need You) code scheme for survivors of domestic violence to access immediate help and support in the comfort of their local community pharmacies.

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