Lagos DSVA domestic violence reports show 400–450 monthly complaints as agency highlights rising awareness and under-reporting concerns

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, has revealed that it now receives between 400 and 450 complaints of domestic violence every month across its reporting platforms, underscoring what officials describe as a troubling and persistent social challenge in the state.

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Domestic violence reports were disclosed on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training session on the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System held in Ikeja.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, focused on improving emergency response coordination and reducing delays in interventions across relevant agencies handling crisis situations.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency records hundreds of new cases monthly through its toll-free hotline, social media channels, and digital reporting platforms, noting that increased awareness has encouraged more victims to seek help.

However, she stressed that the figures likely represent only a fraction of actual incidents, as domestic and sexual violence remain significantly under-reported both in Lagos and globally.

The reports further highlighted the agency’s 24-hour virtual referral and response system, which connects victims to emergency services and psychosocial support at any time of the day.

According to her, the system is designed to ensure swift intervention through collaboration with emergency responders and the state Command and Control Centre.

Vivour-Adeniyi also reiterated that domestic violence extends beyond physical abuse, noting that emotional and verbal abuse are recognised under Lagos State law as forms of domestic violence.

She urged parents and guardians not to conceal cases of sexual abuse involving children, warning that obstruction of justice carries legal consequences, including possible imprisonment.

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The agency head called for stronger public cooperation with support systems, emphasising that victims should be encouraged to report abuse and access available protection services.