Lagos Records Over 450 Domestic Violence Complaints Every Month - DSVA.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has revealed that it now receives more than 450 domestic violence-related complaints every month through its hotlines, social media platforms and online channels.

The agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre in Ikeja on Tuesday.

According to her, the agency records between 400 and 450 fresh cases monthly, stressing that domestic and s£x¥al v+olence remain heavily underreported despite the rising number of complaints.

“We know we’ve not scratched the surface because these issues remain some of the most under-reported crimes globally, but we are encouraged that more people now have faith in the system,” she said.

Vivour-Adeniyi explained that more victims are now seeking help through emergency lines, agency offices and social media platforms.

She added that the agency operates a 24-hour gender-based v+olence virtual referral response service in partnership with emergency responders to ensure victims can access emergency help and psychosocial support at any time through the 203 emergency line.

The agency boss also stressed that domestic v+olence is not limited to physical ab¥se, noting that emotional and verbal ab¥se are also recognised under Lagos State law.

“The fact that the ab¥se is not physical does not make it less h@rmful. People should not d+e in silence,” she said.

She further warned parents against hiding s£xual ab¥se cases involving their children, stating that concealing such crimes is punishable under the law.

According to her, parents found guilty of covering up s£xual offences risk up to three years imprisonment. She urged families to report ab¥se cases promptly and make use of available support services to help victims get justice and proper care.