The Lagos State Government has inaugurated an anti-sexual harassment programme in its effort to fight sexual harassment in workplaces.
The programme, ‘Lagos Says No to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace’ was inauguraed under the aegis of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Coordinator of the DSVRT, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said some multinational companies were trained in issues, including sexual harassment and the steps to take.
Vivour-Adeniyi noted that sexual harassment was a crime and the state government reserved the right to intervene, adding that the companies were encouraged to put structures in place for reporting such cases.
She said, “The participants were taught what domestic violence was, the negative impact of domestic violence on survivors, some of which include inability of victims to fully participate as a team, reduced productivity, frequent absenteeism, loss of job, potential harm to employees, co-workers and customers when violent abusers enter the workplace.
“This can be dangerous, as companies may be held liable if violence erupts on their premises.”
She noted that a survey conducted on the impact of domestic violence on the workplace indicated victims could not concentrate as a result of the issues they faced at home, adding that the DSVRT team could be reached on 0813-796-0048 or by dialling *6820#.
