The Lagos State Government has revealed that 3,215 children suffered abuse in 2024, according to data from the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Exclusive figures obtained by PUNCH Metro show that children accounted for over a third of the 9,279 domestic violence cases reported last year. The remaining 6,064 victims were adults.
DSVA Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated that most perpetrators (2,708) were relatives or acquaintances, while only 250 cases involved strangers.
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"We’re adopting a preventive approach," Vivour-Adeniyi said. "Through the Kings and Queens Club in schools, we teach children about gender equality, body autonomy, and abuse prevention."
The agency has also launched a free online safeguarding course for parents, with 13,000 participants so far. However, Ololade Ajayi of DOHS Cares Foundation warned that many cases go unreported due to weak law enforcement and justice system delays.
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