The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency says it now receives more than 450 domestic violence-related complaints every month through its various reporting channels.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this while speaking with journalists during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training on the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
The programme, organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, was aimed at reducing emergency rescue delays and improving coordination among emergency response agencies in the state.
Speaking at the event, Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency records between 400 and 450 new cases monthly through its toll-free lines, social media platforms and online channels.
“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.
According to her, more victims now know where to seek help and justice through emergency lines, agency offices and social media platforms.
She added that the agency operates a 24-hour gender-based violence virtual referral response service in partnership with emergency responders and the 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 said.
Vivour-Adeniyi explained that the agency was established to coordinate responses to domestic and sexual violence cases in the state, adding that domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse.
She said the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 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.
She also warned parents against covering up sexual abuse cases involving their children, stressing that failure to report such incidents amounts to concealing a crime against the state.
“There is a section of the law that criminalises concealment of sexual offences, and parents found guilty can face up to three years imprisonment,” she said.
She urged parents to take advantage of available support services to help victims get justice and proper care.
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