The Lagos State Government has disclosed that a total of 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence were reported in the state between August 2024 and July 2025.
Domestic violence alone accounted for 3,685 cases, making it the most prevalent issue within the period under review.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, made this known on Friday during a press briefing to flag off activities for the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
He stressed that the figures reflect the state government’s firm stance on zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV.
Pedro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olanrewaju Oyenuga, revealed that the state secured over 140 convictions and obtained six restraining orders during the period.
He broke down the statistics: 243 cases of defilement, 244 cases of child abuse/physical assault, 99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration.
Also, 726 family-related disputes, 41 cases of cyber harassment, and 32 cases of threats to life were documented.
According to him, 3,090 children exposed to domestic violence received counselling, ranging in age from 18 months to 79 years, highlighting that SGBV cuts across all age groups. He noted that 146 survivors received free legal representation, all survivors of sexual assault accessed free medical care, and 30 were accommodated in government shelters.
In terms of rehabilitation, 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators underwent therapy, while 13 persons with disabilities were provided with specialised support.
On local government reporting, Pedro identified Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo as recording the highest number of adult-related cases, while for child-related cases, the top five councils were Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo.
Speaking on awareness efforts, he recalled that since 2015, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has dedicated September to raising awareness on SGBV.
The theme for this year, he said, is ‘SGBV… It Concerns Us All’.
Outlining the month-long activities, Pedro announced that public servants would wear purple ribbons from September 1 as a symbol of solidarity, followed by an advocacy walk against SGBV.
Other planned programmes include a market fiesta to sensitise residents on gender roles and stereotypes, a 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.
