SGBV: Lagos Vows Action Amid Surge, Unveils Awareness Drive

By Love Oyedokun

LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State has recorded a staggering 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence, SGBV, between August 2024 and July 2025, prompting the government to declare renewed action and launch its annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

Cablenews24 reports that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the figures during the campaign launch themed “SGBV? It Concerns Us All” in Alausa.

He stated the data, compiled by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), signals increased public willingness to report but underscores a severe crisis.

Key Findings Reveal Disturbing Trends:

• Monthly Toll: DSVA assists over 400 survivors monthly on average.
• Victim Age Range: Cases span from an 18-month-old infant to a 79-year-old senior citizen.
• Child Exposure: 3,090 children suffered emotional abuse as witnesses to domestic violence.
• Pregnant Victims: 30% of female survivors reported abuse while pregnant.

Case Breakdown (8,692 Total):

• Domestic Violence: 3,685
• Defilement: 243
• Child Abuse/Physical Assault: 244
• Rape: 99
• Sexual Harassment: 48
• Sexual Assault by Penetration: 25
• Other (Cyber harassment, threats, custody disputes, neglect, exploitation): Balance

State Response & Support Services:
Pedro outlined the DSVA’s comprehensive response during the period:

• Provided free legal aid to 146 survivors.
• Ensured medical care access via public hospitals and partners (Mirabel, WARIF).
• Offered safe shelter for 30 individuals at Eko Haven and other locations.
• Delivered psychotherapy to 1,487 survivors and counselling for 249 abusers.
• Conducted 402 emergency rescue operations.

The Attorney-General emphasized the surge necessitates a unified societal response, aligning with the awareness month’s call to action. The state vows continued and intensified efforts to combat SGBV through support services, prosecution, and prevention initiatives.

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.

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