The Lagos State Government has released statistics indicating a total of 8,692 reported cases of domestic and sexual violence between August 2024 and July 2025. Domestic violence, with 3,685 cases, accounted for the majority of incidents during this period.
According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, these figures underscore the state’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The government secured over 140 convictions and obtained six restraining orders during the same period. Notably, 243 cases of defilement, 244 cases of child abuse or physical assault, 99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration were documented.
Additionally, the state recorded 726 family-related disputes, 41 cases of cyber harassment, and 32 cases of threats to life. Survivors of domestic violence, aged between 18 months and 79 years, received counseling, highlighting the pervasive nature of SGBV across all age groups. It was also reported that 146 survivors received free legal representation, while all survivors of sexual assault accessed free medical care, and 30 were accommodated in government shelters.
The state government’s rehabilitation efforts included therapy for 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators, as well as specialized support for 13 persons with disabilities. Local government areas with the highest number of reported adult-related cases included Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo, while Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo recorded the most child-related cases.
In an effort to raise awareness, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has dedicated September to addressing SGBV since 2015. This year’s theme, ‘SGBV… It Concerns Us All,’ aims to emphasize the importance of collective action. The agency has planned a series of events, including public servants wearing purple ribbons as a symbol of solidarity, an advocacy walk against SGBV, a market fiesta, a Survivor’s Day, and the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night to recognize individuals and institutions working to combat SGBV.
The release of these statistics and the planned awareness efforts demonstrate the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing domestic and sexual violence. As the state continues to grapple with these issues, the importance of collaboration and community engagement in preventing and responding to SGBV cannot be overstated.
