Lagos DSVA receives over 450 domestic violence complaints monthly

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) reports that it now receives more than 450 domestic‑violence complaints each month through its various reporting channels.

Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour‑Adeniyi announced the figure on Tuesday during a stakeholder engagement and technical training session on the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System. The session was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja and was organized by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre to reduce response delays and improve coordination among agencies.

Vivour‑Adeniyi said the agency logs between 400 and 450 new domestic‑violence cases monthly via its toll‑free hotline, social media, and other online platforms. She added that these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the true incidence, as domestic and sexual violence remains widely under‑reported in Lagos and worldwide.

"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.

She attributed the rise in complaints to increased public awareness, which has encouraged more victims to seek help through emergency lines, agency offices, and digital reporting channels.

The agency also 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 explained.

Vivour‑Adeniyi noted that the DSVA was created to coordinate responses to domestic and sexual‑violence cases across Lagos State, emphasizing that such violence is not limited to physical abuse. 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 agency chief also warned parents against concealing cases of sexual abuse involving children, stating that such actions constitute obstruction of justice. She cited 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 use available support systems to ensure victims receive protection, care, and access to justice.