Lagos supports 33,009 survivors of domestic, sexual violence in five years

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Government says it has provided various forms of support to 33,009 survivors of domestic and sexual violence between September 2021 and July 2026 through the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

The disclosure was made on Monday, August 31, 2026, at a media parley organised by the DSVA to commemorate five years of its interventions and unveil activities for the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

Speaking at the event, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, said the state remained committed to preventing violence, protecting survivors and ensuring that perpetrators were held accountable.

Pedro said the interventions recorded by the DSVA over the five-year period included free legal support for 175 survivors, accommodation for 40 survivors requiring immediate safety, and psychosocial support for survivors, perpetrators and children.

He added that the agency had conducted 501 rescue operations, secured 20 restraining orders and financially supported the investigation and prosecution of 464 sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)-related cases.

According to him, more than 711 cases had been charged to court, while over 160 convictions had been secured during the period.

The government also said its prevention and awareness interventions in the past year directly reached an estimated 1.96 million residents across the 20 local government areas through sensitisation campaigns, school engagements and community outreach programmes.

It said access to support services had also been strengthened through the establishment of new sub-offices, reintroduction of the USSD shortcode and the introduction of the ASK INU WhatsApp Chat Bot.

Speaking on the 2026 Awareness Month, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the theme, “SGBV – IT ENDS WITH US,” was a call for individuals and communities to take collective responsibility for preventing domestic and sexual violence.

Vivour-Adeniyi said activities lined up for September included Turn Lagos Purple, Turn Alausa Purple, Survivors’ Day, Advocacy Walk, Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, Market Fiesta and professional capacity-building trainings.

Other activities, she said, include the National Convening of GBV State Coordinators, launch of the Lagos State GBV Prevention Policy, and the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a society where fewer people experience violence, survivors have timely access to safety, support and justice, while perpetrators are held accountable.

Members of the public can report cases of domestic or sexual violence through the toll-free line 0-8000-333-333.