The Lagos State Government has revealed that it recorded a total of 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence between August 2024 and July 2025, as part of its continued efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, during a press briefing in Lagos to launch activities for the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Oyenuga.
Pedro said the data reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to its zero-tolerance policy on all forms of SGBV. He stated that domestic violence remained the most reported offence, accounting for 3,685 cases within the reporting period.
He further broke down the statistics, revealing:
243 cases of defilement
244 cases of child abuse/physical assault
99 cases of rape
48 cases of sexual harassment
25 cases of sexual assault by penetration
726 family-related disputes
41 cases of cyber harassment
32 cases of threats to life
The Attorney General added that the government had secured over 140 convictions and obtained six restraining orders within the year. He said the Ministry of Justice also offered free legal representation to 146 survivors, while all survivors of sexual assault received free medical care.
In addition, 30 victims were provided shelter in state-run facilities, and 3,090 children who witnessed or experienced domestic violence were counselled. The victims’ ages ranged from 18 months to 79 years, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
In terms of rehabilitation efforts, Pedro said 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators underwent therapy sessions, while 13 persons living with disabilities received specialised support.
On local government statistics, Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo were identified as having the highest number of adult-related SGBV cases. For child-related cases, the top five councils were Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo.
Speaking on awareness and prevention, Pedro noted that since 2015, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has dedicated September to sensitising the public on sexual and gender-based violence.
This year’s theme is “SGBV… It Concerns Us All”. To mark the awareness month, the state will host several events including:
Public servants wearing purple ribbons from September 1st
A city-wide advocacy walks against SGBV
A market fiesta to educate residents on gender roles and harmful stereotypes
A Survivor’s Day to honour victims and survivors
A Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night to celebrate individuals and institutions supporting the fight against SGBV
Pedro concluded by urging Lagosians to speak up and support victims, stressing that the fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires everyone’s involvement.