By David Akinmola
As concerns over the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence continue to grow, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has partnered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to launch a Safeguard Booklet aimed at strengthening child protection and promoting awareness on abuse prevention.
The booklet, unveiled in Lagos during the 2026 AXA Week for Good, is designed to equip teenagers, parents, teachers and caregivers with practical information on recognising abuse, identifying warning signs, preventing violence and accessing available support services.
The initiative forms part of AXA Mansard’s global employee volunteer programme, AXA Hearts in Action, which mobilises staff across its markets to champion social causes and community development.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the company remains committed to extending its role beyond insurance by supporting initiatives that protect vulnerable groups and promote safer communities.
According to him, safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that requires sustained awareness, early intervention and collaboration among families, schools, government agencies and the private sector.
“At AXA Mansard, we believe protection goes beyond insurance. It is about creating safer communities where children can grow with dignity, confidence and hope. The Safeguard Booklet reflects that commitment,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that domestic and sexual violence remain significant social challenges, stressing that public education is one of the most effective tools for preventing abuse and encouraging timely reporting.
The campaign, themed “Being a Child Should Never Be a Risk,” seeks to foster a culture where children can grow in safe and supportive environments, free from violence, neglect and exploitation.
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, described the publication as a timely intervention that would strengthen the state’s child protection framework through increased public awareness.
She said providing accessible information to children, parents and educators would improve early detection of abuse and encourage prompt reporting and intervention.
“Prevention begins with awareness. When children, parents and educators are well informed, they are better equipped to recognise risks early and take appropriate action,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi commended AXA Mansard for supporting the state’s efforts to expand community engagement and reinforce child safeguarding initiatives.
Also speaking, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat, said the booklet would be distributed across schools, partner organisations and community platforms to broaden awareness and encourage collective action against domestic and sexual violence.
According to her, the collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to using its resources, partnerships and platforms to drive social impact beyond its core insurance business.
She added that strengthening awareness, promoting reporting mechanisms and encouraging shared responsibility among stakeholders are essential to reducing the incidence of abuse and protecting vulnerable children.
Stakeholders at the event, including educators, students, child rights advocates and representatives of government agencies, reaffirmed the need for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to build safer communities and ensure that every child grows up free from abuse and exploitation.
