Lagos Unveils AI Chatbot and Digital Evidence Portal to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

A bolster support for domestic violence survivors, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has launched two digital initiatives: an AI-powered chatbot named Ask INU and a self-reporting evidence portal. These tools aim to enhance accessibility to crucial support services and ensure justice for victims.

The announcement was made by DSVA’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, in a statement signed by Mrs. Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, Head of DSVA’s Public Affairs Unit. The initiatives align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of survivors and strengthening the fight against domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

The first innovation, Ask INU (I Need You), is a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot designed to provide immediate information and referrals to individuals in need. By simply sending a message to 0812 893 7058 via WhatsApp, users can access timely, confidential, and accurate details about available support services.

“This tool ensures that survivors and those assisting them are empowered with critical knowledge of the resources at their disposal,” Vivour-Adeniyi stated. The chatbot is set to bridge information gaps and offer a lifeline to individuals facing abuse by delivering essential guidance in real-time.

In addition to the chatbot, DSVA has introduced a Self-Reporting Tool integrated into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS). The platform enables survivors and mandated reporters to securely submit case details and upload vital evidence, such as pictures, audio recordings, video clips, and medical reports.

“By visiting lagosdsvcms.org and clicking on the ‘Report’ tab, survivors and mandated reporters can securely submit key case details. This tool also allows users to store and retrieve their evidence whenever they are ready to seek justice,” Vivour-Adeniyi explained.

One of the major challenges in prosecuting domestic violence cases has been the loss or destruction of crucial evidence. According to Vivour-Adeniyi, nearly 60% of survivors who originally possessed pictorial, documentary, or audio evidence of abuse later misplaced or deleted it—often under duress or coercion from their abusers.

“Strengthening evidence collection and preservation is a vital step in ensuring swift and effective justice,” she emphasized. The new portal ensures that survivors can safely store their evidence until they are ready to take legal action, helping to build stronger cases against perpetrators.

Vivour-Adeniyi reaffirmed DSVA’s dedication to leveraging technology to combat domestic violence and hold offenders accountable.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to breaking the culture of silence, providing seamless access to support for survivors, and ensuring perpetrators face justice. With these innovations, we are actively working to prevent future occurrences and reduce such incidents to the barest minimum,” she stated.