The Lagos State Government has disclosed that a total of 8,692 domestic and sexual violence cases were reported in the state between August 2024 and July 2025.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Oyenuga, during a press briefing on Friday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, revealed that domestic violence alone accounted for 3,685 cases, making it the most prevalent form of abuse recorded during the period under review.
Convictions, support and rehabilitation efforts
According to Pedro, the state secured over 140 convictions and obtained six restraining orders. He provided a breakdown: 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.
The Attorney General added that 726 family-related disputes, 41 cyber harassment incidents, and 32 threats to life were also documented.
He highlighted that 3,090 children exposed to domestic violence received counselling (ranging from 18 months to 79 years), 146 survivors received free legal aid, all sexual assault victims received free medical care, and 30 individuals were accommodated in government shelters.
Areas with domestic and sexual violence cases
On local government reporting, Pedro identified Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo as leading in adult-related cases, while Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo topped for child-related cases.
Speaking on awareness efforts, he recalled that since 2015, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has dedicated September to raising awareness on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV.
To mark the commencement of activities for the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, themed ‘SGBV… It Concerns Us All’, Pedro urged Lagosians to join the fight against SGBV, beginning September 1.
According to him, “These figures are not mere statistics; they are lives affected. Together, we must break the cycle of abuse.”
Pedro announced that a series of activities would commence, including public servants wearing purple ribbons as a symbol of solidarity, an advocacy walk, a market fiesta to sensitise residents on gender roles and stereotypes, Survivor’s Day to honour victims, and the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night to recognise people and institutions championing the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
