- Over 8,600 Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases Reported in Lagos in One Year
- Pedro said there were 243 cases of defilement, 244 instances of child abuse
- The commissioner said 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators received therapy
The Lagos State government has disclosed that between August 2024 and July 2025, 3,685 cases of domestic violence were reported, making it the most common among the 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence recorded during the period.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the government also revealed that six restraining orders were secured and over 140 convictions obtained, highlighting the state’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach.
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Speaking at a media briefing on Friday to mark the start of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said there were 243 cases of defilement, 244 instances of child abuse and physical assault, 99 cases of rape, 48 incidents of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr Olanrewaju Oyenuga, Pedro added that 726 family-related disputes, 41 cases of cyber harassment, and 32 threats to life were also reported.
He noted that 3,090 children exposed to domestic violence received counselling, with the youngest survivor aged 18 months and the oldest 79 years, underscoring that sexual and gender-based violence affects all age groups. He further stated that 146 survivors accessed free legal representation, all sexual assault survivors received free medical care, and 30 survivors were accommodated in shelters.
The commissioner said 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators received therapy, while 13 persons with disabilities were supported. Pedro identified the top five local councils with the highest adult case reports as Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo, while for cases involving children, the top five were Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo.
Since 2015, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has observed Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month with a range of activities. This year’s theme is “SGBV… It concerns us all.”
Pedro explained that activities will begin on September 1, with public servants wearing purple ribbons, followed by an advocacy walk against sexual and gender-based violence. A market fiesta will also be held to educate the public on gender and sex roles and how social constructs contribute to the perpetration of sexual and gender-based violence.
The commissioner added that a survivor day will celebrate and honour the resilience of survivors. The month will conclude with the governor’s commendation and awards ceremony recognising officers, institutions, and individuals who have excelled in combating sexual and gender-based violence.
