The State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) says it recorded 8,692 cases of sexual and domestic abuse between August 2024 and July this year.

The attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this at a news conference to flag off the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Alausa.

Mr Pedro was represented by the permanent secretary and solicitor-general, Ahmed Oyenuga, Lagos State.

He expressed concerns that the year under review recorded the highest number of female reports of abuse compared to previous years.

“Thirty per cent of the victims were pregnant during the period of abuse, which is deeply worrisome,” he said.

Mr Pedro stressed the need to ensure survivors’ psychosocial well-being and urged the public to report cases promptly.

He urged the public to use the toll-free hotline 08000-333-333, stressing that a timely report could save lives and provide support for victims.

The executive secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency had intensified preventive strategies during the year under review.

“We reached over 6.3 million residents directly and indirectly through awareness campaigns and education initiatives to curb the menace,” he said.

The youngest survivor was 18 months old, while the oldest was 79.

Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Councils (LGAs) recorded the highest number of adult abuse cases.

Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo LGAs were identified as recording the highest cases of child abuse.

(NAN)