Leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has partnered
with the Lagos State government to curb the menace of domestic and sexual violence
across the metropolis.
Through the Shortcode, 6820, both organizations are
encouraging victims and other residents to report cases of domestic violence,
sexual violence and child abuse.
Lagos is leading the campaign through the Domestic and
Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) while Airtel is providing network
resource for the short-code and other telecoms related support.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative today (16/10/16),
the Director of Citizens Right, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Clara Omotilewa
Ibirogba, who also chairs the DSVRT, said the use of technology in combatting
sexual and gender based violence is the first of its kind in Nigeria, noting
that Lagos state is optimistic that the short-code will yield great results in
the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Explaining how the short-code is used, Ibirogba said victims
or eyewitness can either dial *6820# or send an SMS to 6820 using the key word,
child abuse. Upon sending the SMS, users will receive information on steps to
take for the respective case (rape, child abuse, domestic violence, etc).
The short code will enable the government gather information
that can be used for the formulation of prevention policies for Lagos state.
“A report would also be logged and forwarded to the
appropriate law enforcement Agency or Ministry,” she said.
She also commended Airtel Nigeria for its support to the
campaign and for backing the State to fight the ugly incidents of domestic
violence, child abuse and sexual abuse.
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