The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) says it now receives more than 450 domestic violence complaints every month.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this on Tuesday, May 19, during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training session on the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency records between 400 and 450 new domestic violence cases monthly through its toll-free hotline, social media platforms, and other online reporting channels.
She noted that despite the high figures, the cases reported likely represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, as domestic and sexual violence remain largely underreported in Lagos and across the world.
“We know we’ve not scratched the surface because these issues remain some of the most under-reported crimes, not just in Lagos or Nigeria, but globally. But we are encouraged that more people now have faith in the system,” she said.
According to her, growing public awareness has encouraged more victims to seek help through emergency lines, agency offices, and digital reporting platforms.
She added that the agency operates a 24-hour virtual referral and response system for gender-based violence cases in partnership with emergency responders and the state Command and Control Centre.
“The idea is to ensure that regardless of the time or day, anybody who calls the 203 line can access critical services such as emergency response and psychosocial support,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi explained that the DSVA was established to coordinate responses to domestic and sexual violence cases across Lagos State, stressing that abuse is not limited to physical violence alone.
She noted that the state’s Protection Against Domestic Violence Law also recognises emotional and verbal abuse as forms of domestic violence.
“We continue to increase awareness and let people know they should not die in silence. The fact that the abuse is not physical does not make it less harmful,” she added.
The DSVA boss also warned parents against concealing cases of sexual abuse involving children, saying such actions amount to obstruction of justice.
She referenced legal provisions that criminalise the concealment of sexual offences, noting that offenders could face up to three years imprisonment.
Vivour-Adeniyi urged parents and guardians to make use of available support systems to ensure victims receive protection, care, and access to justice.
