Lagos records 33,009 reported domestic, sexual violence in 5 years

The Lagos state government said it has recorded reported  33, 009 cases of domestic and sexual violence between September 2021 and July 2026, with domestic violence accounting for the largest share of reported cases.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, released the figures Monday during a media parley to commence the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Lagos.

Pedro said the cases were received through physical walk-ins and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency’s (DSVA) Virtual Referral and Response Service, with the agency handling an average of more than 300 clients monthly.

Pedro, who was represented by the executive secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated that domestic violence accounted for 13,515 cases, making it by far the most frequently reported category.

The Attorney General said the agency also recorded 1,171 defilement cases, 797 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 420 rape cases, 428 sexual harassment cases and 100 cases of sexual assault by penetration.

Other reports included 323 threats to life, 79 attempted rape cases, 95 cases of technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence and 1,861 family-related disputes involving custody, neglect, abduction and child labour.