The Lagos State Government says the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) handled 8,692 cases between August 2024 and July 2025. Reports came through physical walk-ins and the Virtual Referral and Response Service (VRRS).
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this during a media parley on Friday. The briefing marked the start of the annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, observed every September. Pedro was represented by Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyenuga.
He explained that domestic violence topped the chart with 3,685 cases, making it the most prevalent form of abuse reported to DSVA.
Rising Reports of Violence and Abuse
Pedro said the agency also documented 243 cases of defilement, 244 cases of child abuse and assault, and 99 cases of rape. Other reports included 48 sexual harassment incidents, 25 sexual assaults by penetration, 41 cyber harassment cases, 32 threats to life, and 726 family disputes such as custody, neglect, abduction, and child labour.
He added that 3,090 children suffered emotional abuse after being exposed to domestic violence at home. “The youngest survivor was an 18-month-old baby, while the oldest was a 79-year-old woman. This proves that sexual and gender-based violence affects all ages,” he noted.
DSVA provides counseling services to help survivors heal and prevent long-term trauma. On average, the agency supports more than 400 clients each month.
Awareness Month Activities Begin September 1
This year’s campaign, themed “SGBV?… It Concerns Us All”, will begin with the “Turn Alausa Purple” initiative on September 1. Public servants will wear purple ribbons to show solidarity against abuse.
The program also includes advocacy walks in Ikeja and Alimosho, two communities with the highest number of reports. Other activities are Market Men Fiesta, Men Wey Sabi, Couples Wey Sabi (September 18), Survivors’ Day, symposiums, and engagement with ministries, agencies, and private sector groups.
Further events are Turn Obas Purple to honour traditional rulers, and SGBV Not in Our Motorparks to sensitise transport workers. The campaign will close with the Governor’s Award Night, celebrating champions of the fight against gender-based violence.
