"Shocking Report: Over 2,200 Girls Abused in Lagos Within Just One Year, Says DSVA"

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Statistics on Abuse
3. Support Services Provided
4. Vulnerable Groups
5. Therapeutic Support
6. Safety Measures
7. Collaboration with Authorities

The Lagos State Government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has reported that at least 2,213 girls experienced various forms of abuse between September 2024 and August 2025.

In an interview with reporters on Saturday in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, shared this information.

Vivour-Adeniyi emphasized that as the world celebrates the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, it is vital to consider the challenges faced by girls and to enhance efforts to protect them from violence.

“Over the past year, the agency has offered support services to 8,692 survivors, of which 3,629 were children. Among these children, 60 percent were girls, amounting to 2,213 victims, while 40 percent were boys. These girls endured physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect-related abuses,” she stated.

She pointed out that children aged zero to nine years are especially vulnerable to various forms of abuse, and the DSVA provides specialized interventions to meet their physical and emotional needs.

According to her, the agency ensures that children who have either witnessed or experienced violence receive psychosocial and therapeutic support, including play therapy, to aid in their recovery and to help them understand that abuse is not normal.

“We offer comprehensive support to children who have been abused, as well as to those who have witnessed abuse. Through play therapy, we teach them that violence is unacceptable and that conflicts can be resolved peacefully,” Vivour-Adeniyi explained.

She also mentioned that survivors receive medical care, counseling, and, when necessary, rescue or relocation services to ensure their safety.

“At times, we have to relocate children or entire families from their surroundings, especially when the abuse becomes known within the community,” she noted.

Vivour-Adeniyi further revealed that some cases involve parents or guardians as the perpetrators.

“In such instances, the agency collaborates with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to carry out investigations,” she said. “If assessments indicate that a child is unsafe at home, the agency will remove the child and place them in protective custody until a safe reunion with a trusted family member can be arranged.”