Lagos records 8,692  sexual, domestic violence cases In 12 months

Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Alausa, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), revealed that the figures were compiled by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) through both in-person walk-ins and its Virtual Referral and Response Service.

Themed “SGBV? It Concerns Us All,” this year’s awareness month aims to deepen public engagement and drive collective action against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“On average, the DSVA attends to over 400 clients monthly,” Pedro said. “This underscores the ongoing threat of violence in our communities and the urgent need for a unified response.”

Among the alarming revelations, the Attorney-General noted that the youngest survivor was just 18 months old, while the oldest was 79 years old, reflecting the indiscriminate nature of abuse.

Breakdown of Cases

A closer look at the 8,692 cases recorded reveals:

• 3,685 cases of domestic violence

• 243 cases of defilement

• 244 cases of child abuse and physical assault

• 99 cases of rape

• 48 cases of sexual harassment

• 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration

Other reported offenses included cyber harassment, threats to life, and family-related disputes such as custody battles, child neglect, and labour exploitation.

Pedro also highlighted that 3,090 children were exposed to emotional abuse, primarily as witnesses to domestic violence in their homes. Alarmingly, 30 percent of female survivors reported experiencing abuse while pregnant.

Holistic Support and Prosecution Efforts

To address these challenges, the DSVA provided a broad range of support services, including:

• Free legal representation for 146 survivors

• Access to healthcare services at public hospitals and specialized referral centres like Mirabel and WARIF

• Shelter and safety for 30 individuals at Eko Haven and other secure locations

• Psychotherapy and counseling for 1,487 survivors and 249 identified abusers

• 402 rescue operations to remove victims from immediate danger

Pedro further revealed that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions secured over 140 convictions during the period, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward SGBV.

Community Engagement and Prevention

The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, detailed the agency’s robust prevention efforts, which directly and indirectly reached 6.3 million Lagosians. Strategies included door-to-door sensitization, market outreach, school-based education, and community dialogues.

She identified Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo as the top five LGAs with the highest reports of adult abuse. For child-related cases, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo were most affected.

Planned Activities for Awareness Month

A range of activities will mark the Awareness Month, aimed at deepening community understanding and galvanizing grassroots support. Key highlights include:

• Turn Lagos Purple Campaign to symbolically raise awareness in public institutions

• Advocacy Walks in Ikeja and Alimosho

• “Men Wey Sabi” and “Couples Wey Sabi” campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms

• Survivors Day, dedicated to honouring and amplifying the voices of victims

• Symposium on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, including launch of new prevention guidelines

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, involving over 1,200 students

• Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, celebrating frontline responders and partners

Pedro urged residents to report abuse and support victims by using the toll-free hotline 08000-333-333, reiterating that the fight against SGBV requires collective action.

“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence does not discriminate. It affects all age groups, classes, and communities,” he said. “We must all play a role in stopping it.”