The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has issued a warning that children cannot consent to sexual intercourse, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting basic principles of consent. In a post shared on its X handle, @Lagosdsva, the agency educated residents on the FRIES principles: Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific. This initiative aims to promote a culture that respects boundaries and protects children from sexual abuse.
According to the DSVA, consent must be freely given without pressure, threats, manipulation, or coercion. It also emphasized that consent can be withdrawn at any time, even after sexual activity has begun. Furthermore, consent must be informed and based on an understanding of what a person is agreeing to, noting that it cannot be obtained through deception. These guidelines are crucial in determining valid consent.
The agency highlighted that consent should be an enthusiastic and willing choice, rather than something given out of fear, pressure, or a desire to end an uncomfortable situation. Additionally, consent is specific, meaning agreement to one sexual activity does not automatically mean agreement to another. These distinctions are essential in understanding the complexities of consent.
Citing the Nigerian Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law of 2007, the DSVA stressed that a child, defined as a person below 18 years, cannot consent to sexual intercourse. The laws prohibit sexual intercourse with a child, rendering it immaterial if an offender claimed to have believed the child was above 18 or that the child had consented.
The DSVA noted that the offence of sexual intercourse with a child attracts life imprisonment upon conviction. This severe penalty underscores the gravity of the offence and the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse. The agency's warning serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such actions.
The agency further clarified that consent is not silence, fear, pressure, or the absence of resistance, and is not a one-time permission. Instead, it must be a continuous and voluntary agreement throughout any sexual activity. This clarification aims to dispel common misconceptions about consent.
The DSVA urged residents to remember the FRIES principles and promote a culture that respects boundaries and protects children from sexual abuse. By educating the public on these principles, the agency hopes to reduce instances of sexual violence and create a safer environment for all individuals, particularly children.
Key points
- The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency emphasizes that children cannot consent to sexual intercourse, citing Nigerian laws that prohibit such acts.
- Consent must be freely given, informed, enthusiastic, and specific, and can be withdrawn at any time.
- The offence of sexual intercourse with a child attracts life imprisonment upon conviction.
