Follow Us on Google
By Chinenye Anuforo
The Aunt Landa Bethel Foundation has raised fresh concern over the increasing cases of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State, warning that the alarming numbers must come down.
Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Yolanda George-David, popularly known as Aunt Landa, said the state cannot continue to ignore the cries of survivors or allow stigma to silence them.
Other News
Speaking as Lagos marked Domestic & Sexual Violence Awareness Month, she stressed that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to ending abuse. “A society that shames survivors only emboldens abusers. Until we change that mindset, the violence will continue”, she said.
For more than a decade, the Foundation has provided round-the-clock rescue and rehabilitation services to survivors. Its 24/7 programme delivers urgent medical treatment, safe shelter, trauma counselling, and free legal representation, while also supporting victims to rebuild their lives.
George-David explained that the Foundation goes beyond emergency response by equipping survivors with vocational and digital skills that enable them to achieve financial independence and reduce vulnerability to further abuse.
“Rescue is just the beginning. Safety gives survivors breathing space, but rehabilitation through counselling, empowerment and skills training gives them back their future,” she added.
The Foundation also extends its advocacy into churches, schools, markets and the media to spread zero-tolerance messages and encourage survivors to speak out.
George-David maintained that addressing the crisis requires collective effort. “It is everyone’s responsibility,” she said. “From families and schools to faith institutions and workplaces, all must act. Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and protected.”
