The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has revealed a dramatic increase in the number of men reporting gender-based violence, with cases rising to nearly 8,000 in 2025, up from about 300 in previous years.
The figures were disclosed by the agency’s Head of Community Services, Damilare Adewusi, during the 2025 International Men’s Day celebration and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) awareness event held yesterday in Lagos.
To mark the day, DSVA partnered with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to organise an awareness walk themed “Navigating Pressure: A Man’s Well-being in Modern Lagos.” The walk began at the UNILAG Senate Building and moved through major campus routes, drawing male and female participants from the university community and advocacy groups.
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Speaking with reporters, Adewusi, who represented DSVA Executive Secretary Mrs Titilola Adeniyi, said the agency is committed to addressing violence affecting all genders, stressing that domestic and sexual violence is not a women-only issue.
She explained that despite perceptions that men are mainly perpetrators of abuse, many are also victims who suffer in silence due to societal stigma and fear of ridicule. She noted that the rise in reported cases shows that more men are now finding the courage to seek help.
She highlighted DSVA’s male-targeted initiatives, including the monthly “Men with Habits” outreach for market men—designed to address stereotypes, encourage positive behaviour, and ensure men feel safe to speak out.
At the event, the convener, Elder Adedini Oluropo, emphasised that men face significant emotional and psychological pressures that are often ignored.
He said many male survivors are not taken seriously when they report abuse, urging men to communicate openly within their families and encouraging young people to seek guidance from elders rather than rely solely on social media.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the UNILAG branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Dr Razak Ademola Yusuf, commended DSVA for expanding the conversation on SGBV to include men.
He stressed that violence against men is real and must be confronted to achieve societal balance. Yusuf urged male survivors to report incidents rather than endure abuse in silence.
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DSVA and UNILAG announced that the awareness walk will now be an annual event aimed at promoting men’s mental health and encouraging open reporting of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
