The Lagos State Government says it has recorded a sharp increase in the reportage of sexual and domestic violence, with 8,692 cases reported between August 2024 and July 2025.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this at a media briefing in Alausa to launch the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, themed “SGBV? It Concerns Us All.”
According to him, the youngest survivor in the year under review was 18 months old, while the oldest was 79 years old, underscoring the fact that abuse cuts across age groups.
“Between August 2024 and July 2025, the DSVA received a total of 8,692 cases through both physical walk-ins and the Virtual Referral and Response Service. On average, the Agency attends to over 400 clients monthly,” Pedro said.
A breakdown of the cases shows:
• 3,685 cases of domestic violence – the most prevalent category.
• 243 cases of defilement and 244 cases of child abuse/physical assault.
• 99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration.
• Other cases included cyber harassment, threats to life, and family-related disputes such as custody, neglect, and child labour.
The AG further revealed that 3,090 children were exposed to emotional abuse due to witnessing violence at home, while 30 percent of female victims disclosed that they were pregnant during the abuse.
Holistic Interventions
Pedro noted that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) provided a wide range of support services, including:
• Free legal aid to 146 survivors.
• Healthcare services at General Hospitals and referral centres such as Mirabel and WARIF.
• Shelter and safety for 30 survivors at Eko Haven and other facilities.
• Psychotherapy and counseling for 1,487 survivors and 249 abusers.
• 402 rescue operations to protect victims from dangerous environments.
He also disclosed that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions secured over 140 convictions within the review period, affirming the State’s zero-tolerance stance against perpetrators.
Community Engagement and Awareness
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, highlighted the Agency’s preventive strategies, which directly and indirectly engaged 6.3 million residents through door-to-door campaigns, market sensitization, school outreaches, and community meetings.
She added that Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo had the highest reports of adult abuse, while Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo topped reports involving children.
Awareness Month Activities
The State has lined up several activities for the Awareness Month, including:
• Turn Lagos Purple Campaign to raise awareness across government offices.
• Advocacy Walks in Ikeja and Alimosho, areas with high cases of abuse.
• “Men Wey Sabi” and “Couples Wey Sabi” campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes.
• Survivors Day to honour victims and provide safe spaces for sharing experiences.
• Symposium on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace with new prevention guidelines.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, bringing together 1,200 students.
• Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night to recognize frontline responders and partners.
The Attorney-General urged residents to use the toll-free hotline 08000-333-333 to report cases and support victims.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not a respecter of age, class, creed or economic status. Eliminating it requires a collective effort from every Lagosian,” Pedro emphasized.