LASG enlists fathers to prevent child abuse

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has launched a pilot programme to enlist fathers in preventing sexual abuse and gender-based violence, with 70 men pledging to make their daughters’ safety and emotional well-being a priority.

The initiative, organised with the “Daddy’s Girl Project,” comes as the agency seeks to strengthen the role of families in preventing abuse by encouraging fathers to build relationships in which children feel safe enough to speak up when something is wrong.

At the launch on Tuesday at Ikoyi Senior Grammar School, the agency’s officials challenged fathers to look beyond financial provision and recognise their responsibility to provide emotional support, earn their daughters’ trust and create safe home environments.

Ramat Balogun-Lamidi, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the protection of girls must begin within the family.

“Protecting our girls begins at home. Fathers must understand that their responsibility goes beyond providing financially. It includes being present, listening to their daughters, earning their trust and creating an environment where they feel safe enough to speak up when something is wrong,” she said.

Balogun-Lamidi said the pilot was designed to encourage fathers to take an active role in preventing abuse and building healthier family relationships.

She identified emotional availability, open communication, positive role modelling and active involvement in children’s development as essential elements of responsible fatherhood.

The programme, themed “Promoting Responsible, Present and Protective Fathers,” featured discussions on toxic masculinity and positive parenting, with participants examining how their conduct and parenting choices could affect their daughters’ safety and willingness to speak up about abuse.

Its facilitator, Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, a parenting coach, urged fathers to build relationships with their daughters around trust, respect, emotional security and active listening.

The session ended with a collective pledge by the 70 fathers to prioritise their daughters’ safety, dignity and well-being.

The DSVA urged members of the public to report domestic and child abuse through its 24-hour toll-free line, 08000-333-333, email, [email protected], or USSD code *6820#.

The agency said the pilot was part of its broader efforts to promote positive parenting and prevent sexual and gender-based violence in homes, schools and communities.