The Lagos State Government has intensified its fight against violence and abuse of children as data from the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency revealed that 3,215 children were subjected to various forms of abuse between January and December 2024.
The figure, exclusively obtained by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, showed that of the total 9,279 domestic violence cases reported in the year under review, children accounted for over a third of the survivors. The remaining 6,064 were adult male and female victims.
Findings showed that the nature of abuse included sexual assault, emotional abuse, and other forms of domestic violence.
According to the DSVA, a majority of the perpetrators, about 2,708 in total, were relatives or individuals known to the victims, while only 250 cases involved strangers.
Speaking on steps being taken to curb sexual and gender-based violence, especially against children, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, told PUNCH Metro on Wednesday that the government had adopted a technology-driven and preventive approach.
She said, “In terms of education, we are working very closely with the Ministry of Education and the Office of Education Quality Assurance.
“We have developed a curriculum for our Kings and Queens Club where we teach children about sexual and reproductive rights and sexual and gender-based violence.
