Lagos DSVA sounds alarm: 6,456 cases of violence reported less than a year

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reported soaring domestic and sexual violence cases over a 10-month period from September 2023 to July 2024.

The report was released on Friday by the DSVA, an arm of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

Established in September 2021, the DSVA has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

The Agency has evolved from its previous form as the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team to its current status, reflecting its growing commitment to addressing the widespread issue of violence against women and children.

During the period under review, the Agency received a staggering 6,456 cases of various forms of violence, ranging from domestic violence to sexual assault, child neglect, and other non-gender-based violence (GBV) cases.

The cases were reported through both physical and virtual referral response services, highlighting the accessibility of the Agency’s support mechanisms.

A breakdown of the statistics reveals that adult survivors, predominantly women, accounted for 3,925 cases, while children made up 2,531 cases.

Alarmingly, 90.4% of adult survivors were women, and 46% of child survivors were girls.

The most common form of violence reported among adults was domestic violence, comprising 73% of the cases, followed by rape at 3.5%. For children, emotional abuse was the most prevalent form of violence, accounting for 76.7% of cases, followed by physical violence at 5.4%.

Specific figures from the report include 2,868 cases of domestic violence, 93 cases of rape, 138 cases of attempted rape or sexual assault, and 113 cases of sexual assault by penetration or threat.

The report also noted other forms of assault, including cases related to separation, divorce, failure to provide necessities, and neglect, as well as instances of revenge porn and obscene publications.

Executive Secretary, DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that survivors have access to comprehensive care and support.

This includes medical, legal, psychosocial, and empowerment services, as well as rescue operations and access to justice.

She said the Agency’s efforts, driven by collaboration with government departments, partner organizations, gender experts, law enforcement, NGOs, mental health professionals, social services, healthcare providers, and the legal system, continued to play a crucial role in addressing and reducing the incidence of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

“The Lagos State government remains resolute in its mission to protect vulnerable populations and provide a safe environment for all residents,” she said.