Lagos Declares Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, Pledges Stronger Action Against SGBV

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Government has declared September as Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, reaffirming its commitment to intensify the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through partnerships, preventive strategies, and comprehensive survivor support.

Speaking at a media parley to flag off the awareness month, themed “SGBV: It Concerns Us All,” the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), stressed the urgent need for collective action to tackle the menace. Pedro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ahmed Oyenuga, disclosed that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) recorded 8,692 cases between August 2024 and July 2025. Out of these, 3,685 were domestic violence cases, including defilement, child abuse, rape, and sexual harassment.r

He noted that the state had continued to provide survivors with holistic support services, ranging from free legal representation and medical care to shelter and therapy. According to him, the awareness month will feature advocacy walks, marketplace campaigns, symposiums, and other activities aimed at mobilising residents and deepening preventive strategies.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, revealed that over 6.3 million Lagos residents were reached directly and indirectly in the past year through advocacy and awareness initiatives. She said the agency’s focus has been on expanding preventive strategies, promoting healthy relationships, and encouraging positive behavioural change across communities.x

Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that awareness must go hand-in-hand with action, urging stakeholders—including community leaders, civil society organisations, and the private sector—to collaborate with government in tackling the root causes of SGBV.

She assured that the DSVA would continue to strengthen partnerships and build on the gains already achieved, adding that Lagos was determined to sustain its leadership role in combating domestic and sexual violence in Nigeria.

The media parley was attended by senior government officials, advocacy groups, and stakeholders in the justice and social sectors.