Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Lagos recorded 8,692 cases in one year, as the state pledges stronger victim support and workplace protection

Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Lagos has reached an alarming 8,692 reported cases in the past year, according to the state government.

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The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this during a press briefing ahead of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in September.

Pedro, represented by the Solicitor General, Ahmid Oyenuga, emphasized that the devastating effects of SGBV cannot be ignored.

He revealed that 90 percent of survivors reported suffering low self-esteem, PTSD, fear, and anxiety, while about five percent battled depression requiring medical attention.

The Attorney General highlighted that this year’s theme, “SGBV?…It Concerns Us All,” reflects the need for collective action, as the scourge cuts across all ages and demographics.

For the first time, the private sector will be actively involved in the awareness drive.

As part of new interventions, Lagos State is set to launch guidelines on sexual harassment prevention in workplaces, aiming to foster safer and more respectful environments.

Children will also be included through a Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, expected to engage over 1,200 students.

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) provided detailed figures covering August 2024 to July 2025. Out of the 8,692 cases:

3,685 were domestic violence
243 were defilement cases
244 involved child abuse or physical assault
99 were rape cases
48 related to sexual harassment
25 involved sexual assault by penetration

On average, the DSVA attends to more than 400 clients monthly, offering both physical and virtual support through its referral services.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring hope and confidence to survivors, while also calling on the public to join hands in combating this menace.

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As the briefing concluded, officials signed off with a unified message: “Together, we can confront Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Lagos and build a safer society for all.”