(Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi. Photo by Instagram)
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has disclosed that it now receives over 450 domestic violence-related complaints every month through its hotlines, social media platforms and online channels.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre in Ikeja on Tuesday.
She noted that between 400 and 450 fresh cases are recorded monthly, while stressing that domestic and sexual violence remain heavily underreported despite the increasing number of complaints coming in.
She expressed encouragement that more victims are now willing to seek help and are showing greater trust in the system, adding that the agency operates a 24-hour gender-based violence virtual referral response service in partnership with emergency responders.
Victims can access emergency assistance and psychosocial support at any time through the 203 emergency line.
Vivour-Adeniyi also clarified that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse, noting that emotional and verbal abuse are equally recognised under Lagos State law and should not be treated as less serious. She urged victims not to suffer in silence.
She further warned parents against concealing sexual abuse cases involving their children, stating that doing so is a punishable offence under the law.
Parents found guilty of covering up such crimes risk up to three years in prison.
She called on families to report abuse promptly and take advantage of available support services to ensure victims receive justice and proper care.