High Incidence of Domestic Violence Cases Recorded in Lagos, Nigeria

The Lagos State Government has recently revealed a concerning trend of increasing domestic violence cases over the past year. According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, a total of 662 cases were reported, with 592 involving women and 70 involving men. Out of these cases, 88 were referred to the Office of the Public Defenders for further action.

To address this alarming issue, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation initiated the “purple project” in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency. This project aims to respond to and refer cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence reported through the Lagos state emergency toll-free number 767. Additionally, the project is working with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and local government departments to ensure prompt responses to gender-based violence cases at the grassroots level.

In efforts to empower vulnerable women in the state, the ministry has provided support to approximately 10,385 individuals through various initiatives. Furthermore, the families of fallen heroes from the Nigerian legion have also been included in the empowerment program. Additionally, 1,500 women and men have participated in short-term skill acquisition programs to enhance their economic value and promote self-reliance.

The government is committed to addressing the issue of domestic violence and providing support to those affected by these incidents. Through collaborative efforts and empowerment programs, they aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for all residents of Lagos State.