The Lagos State government has revealed that 2,588 children were sexually and emotionally abused during various domestic violence incidents recorded in the state between August 2022 and July 2023.
The disclosure was made by the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, during a media briefing marking the start of the 2023 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The theme for the awareness month is “Not in my Lagos.”
Ms. Shitta-Bey, represented by Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, further revealed that 40 percent of these abused children have undergone counseling programs aimed at helping them cope with the traumatic experiences and prevent lasting negative impacts.
Key statistics provided by Ms. Shitta-Bey included:
– From August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, the agency handled 5,624 cases categorized as adults and children.
– The agency now receives an average of 250 clients each month.
– Among adult survivors, 91 percent were female, and 9 percent were male.
– Among child survivors, 45 percent were boys, and 55 percent were girls.
– The agency provided services to seven persons with disabilities who experienced various forms of gender-based violence.
– The youngest child who experienced sexual violence was an 18-month-old baby, while the oldest client who experienced domestic violence was a 79-year-old woman.
This report underscores the pressing need for awareness and action to address child abuse and domestic violence, with an emphasis on counseling and support services for survivors. Initiatives like the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month aim to shed light on these critical issues and mobilize resources for intervention and prevention efforts.
