The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called on churches and mosques to strengthen premarital counselling for intending couples as part of efforts to prevent domestic violence and promote healthier marriages.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made the appeal in a statement shared on the agency’s official X handle on Wednesday.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency had introduced a Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Online Course designed to equip pastors, imams, and faith-based marriage counsellors with practical tools to guide couples toward respectful and violence-free relationships.
She explained that the initiative focuses on prevention by addressing potential relationship challenges before they escalate into abuse.
According to her, many couples in Lagos receive marriage preparation through churches and mosques, making religious leaders key partners in shaping healthy relationship values.
“Domestic violence does not begin in the courtroom. In many cases, it begins long before marriage.
“Improving the quality of premarital counselling within faith institutions will help couples build marriages founded on respect, safety, and shared responsibility,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi noted that the launch attracted participation from representatives of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, reflecting collaboration between government and religious institutions to promote safer homes.
She explained that the online course includes self-paced modules, case studies, and assessments designed to help counsellors apply practical knowledge to real-life counselling situations. Participants who complete the programme will receive certification.
The curriculum also introduces counsellors to key concepts in preventing sexual and gender-based violence, including identifying early warning signs of abusive relationships and providing appropriate guidance to couples.
Vivour-Adeniyi added that the initiative complements the agency’s Relationship Health Clinic, which offers professional psychological support for individuals and couples through an evidence-based relationship assessment framework.
She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence and encouraged religious leaders across the state to support efforts aimed at building safer homes and stronger families.