Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
For many workers and visitors to Alausa, the sight of public buildings glowing purple this September will be difficult to miss.
But beyond the striking colour is a message the Lagos State Government wants residents to remember: domestic and sexual violence is real, often hidden and requires everyone to speak up.
The “Turn Alausa Purple” campaign, being championed by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), is part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
The initiative has transformed parts of Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State Government, into a highly visible platform for raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence and encouraging collective action to prevent abuse and support survivors.
The Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr Bode Agoro, joined the DSVA in promoting the campaign, stressing that the responsibility for tackling domestic and sexual violence could not be left to government agencies alone.
Agoro said individuals, public institutions, communities and other stakeholders must recognise their roles in preventing abuse, supporting survivors and ensuring that victims can access appropriate assistance.
“Turning Alausa purple is more than illuminating our offices and public spaces. It is a statement that we recognise the problem, we care about those affected and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe and protected,” he said.
The Head of Service urged public servants to become active participants in the campaign, noting that awareness must go beyond slogans and translate into action.
He called on workers to speak up when they encounter cases of abuse, support survivors and direct people in need to appropriate support services.
For the DSVA, the purple illumination is intended to turn a familiar government environment into a constant reminder of an issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the campaign was not simply about changing the colour of buildings but about changing attitudes towards domestic and sexual violence.
“We want the purple in Alausa to be more than a colour. We want it to remind everyone who sees it that domestic and sexual violence is real, it affects people around us, and we all have a role to play in preventing it,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi urged public servants experiencing violence, as well as those who witness or suspect cases of abuse, to speak up and seek appropriate support.
She stressed that survivors should not be left to confront their experiences alone, urging colleagues, friends and members of the public to respond with support rather than silence.
The DSVA executive secretary also called on private organisations, the media, schools, communities and other stakeholders to join the awareness drive by sharing accurate information on prevention, reporting channels and available support services.
The “Turn Alausa Purple” campaign forms part of the wider programme of activities organised by the Lagos State Government for the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
The government, through the DSVA, said the campaign reflects its broader commitment to prevention, survivor support, access to justice and accountability in addressing domestic and sexual violence.
As Alausa takes on its purple glow, the campaign’s organisers hope the colour will do more than attract attention. They want it to spark conversations, encourage victims and survivors to seek help and remind residents that preventing violence begins with refusing to remain silent.
