September in Lagos: Raising the Purple Flag Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Every September, Lagos State takes a resolute stand against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by observing the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Spearheaded by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), this annual campaign mobilizes communities, public institutions, and individuals to rally around survivors, strengthen prevention efforts, and reinforce the state’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse.
For 2025, the theme “SGBV: It Concerns Us All” underscores the reality that protecting women, and children is not just the government’s duty, but a collective responsibility of all Lagos residents.
Why Awareness Month Matters
The statistics are sobering. Between August 2024 and July 2025, Lagos recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence. Affected persons ranged in age from 18 months to 79 years, highlighting that abuse knows no age, gender, or social boundary.
Breaking down the figures:
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3,685 cases of domestic violence; the most prevalent form.
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243 cases of defilement and 244 cases of child sexual abuse/physical assault.
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99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration.
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Thousands of children (3,090) were indirectly victimized by exposure to violence at home.
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Shockingly, 30% of women abused were pregnant during the abuse.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), emphasized that these figures show the scale of the crisis but also the state’s resolve to fight it:
“Between August 2024 and July 2025, the DSVA attended to over 400 clients monthly. Our aim is not only to respond to cases but to prevent them through sustained community engagement.”
What Lagos is Doing: Holistic Interventions
The DSVA provides a lifeline of services to survivors and families, including:
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Free legal aid — 146 abused persons received legal support in the past year.
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Healthcare referrals — access to general hospitals and specialized centres like Mirabel Centre and WARIF.
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Safe shelters — 30 abused person were housed at Eko Haven and other facilities.
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Psychotherapy and counseling — for 1,487 abused persons and even 249 perpetrators of abuse to address root causes.
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Rescue operations — 402 abused persons were extracted from dangerous environments.
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Justice delivery — Over 140 convictions secured against offenders, strengthening accountability.
Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the DSVA, added that beyond interventions, prevention is critical:
“We engaged over 6.3 million Lagosians in the past year through markets, schools, transport hubs, and communities. Awareness is the first defense against violence.”
2025 Awareness Month Highlights
This year’s campaign launched on September 1st with “Turn Alausa Purple,” where public servants at the state secretariat displayed purple attire, the global symbol of solidarity against abuse. From there, the campaign spilled into markets, motor parks, workplaces, and communities:
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“Turn CDACs Purple” (Sept 3): Over 300 Community Development Associations pledged to act as ambassadors against SGBV.
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“Turn Motor Parks Purple” (Sept 4): Sensitization of over 2,000 transport workers and commuters at Iyana-Ipaja.
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“Couples Wey Sabi” Market Fiesta (Sept 9): A vibrant event at Oyingbo Market, challenging gender stereotypes and promoting teamwork in marriage.
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Advocacy Walks: Rallies through Ikeja (Sept 3) and Alimosho (Sept 10) united residents in public solidarity against SGBV.
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Workplace Sensitization: A seminar for Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) staff on consent and workplace harassment, with upcoming sexual harassment prevention guidelines for offices statewide.
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Survivors’ Day (Sept 16): A celebration tagged “From Surviving to Thriving”, empowering survivors to reclaim their voices.
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Governor’s Awards & Commendation Night: A closing event to honor frontline responders, activists, and partners committed to ending SGBV.
Areas Most Affected
Reports indicate Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo lead in adult abuse cases. For children, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo top the chart. These hotspots guide where intensified outreach and interventions are most needed.
How You Can Help
The message of this year’s campaign is clear: Ending SGBV is everyone’s business. Here are ways individuals and communities can contribute:
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Speak Up: Do not remain silent if you witness abuse.
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Report Cases: Use DSVA’s toll-free helpline: 0-8000-333-333.
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Show Solidarity: Wear or display purple during September to spread awareness.
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Educate Others: Share resources with family, neighbors, and community members.
A Shared Commitment
As Lagos State Attorney-General Pedro declared, the government is unwavering:
“We remain committed to eradicating all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation. Our goal is to protect victims, punish perpetrators, and create a safer Lagos for all.”
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month is more than a campaign, it’s a movement to build a state where every resident, young or old, can live free of fear, violence, and exploitation.
In Lagos this September, the color purple is more than a shade; it is a promise of justice, empathy, and collective action.
