AXA Mansard, Lagos DSVA launch safeguard booklet to combat domestic, sexual violence
Nike Popoola
Determined to strengthen advocacy against domestic and sexual violence in Nigeria, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has launched a Safeguard Booklet for teenagers in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos as part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good, seeks to equip children, parents, teachers and communities with practical knowledge to prevent abuse, identify warning signs and access support services.
The launch forms part of AXA Mansard’s flagship global volunteering programme, AXA Hearts in Action, through which employees across different markets dedicate time and resources to social causes aimed at strengthening communities and improving lives.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the booklet represents another step in the company’s broader advocacy to promote awareness, early intervention and stronger community responsibility around safeguarding children and young people.
According to him, the company believes protection extends beyond insurance services to addressing social challenges that threaten the well-being of vulnerable groups.
“At AXA Mansard, we believe protection goes beyond insurance. It is also about helping to create safer communities where children and young people can grow with dignity, confidence and hope. The Safeguard Booklet is an important part of that commitment,” he said.
Adeniyi noted that domestic and sexual violence remain troubling realities in society, stressing that awareness remains one of the strongest tools in combating the menace.
“This is why we are continuing to invest our voice, our people and our platforms in initiatives like this. We want to contribute meaningfully to a culture where safeguarding is taken seriously and where more children are protected from harm,” he added.
The initiative is anchored on the theme, “Being a Child Should Never Be a Risk,” reflecting the company’s position that childhood should be characterised by safety, learning and growth rather than violence, neglect or exploitation.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, described the booklet as a valuable contribution to the state’s child protection efforts.
She said: “This Safeguard Booklet is an important step in ensuring that accurate, practical and accessible information is available to the public. Prevention begins with awareness, and when children, parents and educators are properly informed, they are better equipped to identify risks early and take appropriate action.”
Vivour-Adeniyi commended AXA Mansard for supporting efforts to strengthen child protection systems and expand community awareness on domestic and sexual violence.
Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat, disclosed that the booklet would be distributed across schools, partner institutions and community platforms to deepen awareness and support the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.
She added that the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging its people, influence and partnerships to drive conversations and actions that make communities safer for children.
“By partnering with Lagos DSVA on the Safeguard Booklet, we hope to contribute not only to awareness but also to a stronger culture of prevention, reporting and collective responsibility in the fight against domestic and sexual violence in Nigeria,” she said.
Stakeholders at the event, including students, educators, child protection advocates and representatives of Lagos DSVA, reaffirmed their commitment to creating safer environments where children and teenagers can live, learn and thrive without fear of abuse, exploitation or violence.
