The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has recorded 920 cases of gender-based violence involving male victims between November 2024 and November 2025, highlighting an increasing willingness among men to report abuse.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, executive secretary of DSVA, disclosed this on Wednesday during the International Men’s Day celebration at the University of Lagos, Yaba, where she was represented by Damilare Adewusi, head of community engagement.
She said the rise in reported cases reflects growing confidence in the state’s support systems for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
“Statistics often portray men as perpetrators, yet men can also be victims. These figures emphasise the need for continuous advocacy to ensure men feel safe reporting abuse and accessing support without stigma,” Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said.
The DSVA report showed that 437 cases involved domestic violence, making it the most frequently reported violation.
Other cases included 75 incidents of non-sexual gender-based violence, 29 reports of denial of resources, 12 sexual harassment cases, two rapes, one attempted rape, and one sexual assault by penetration.
Additionally, two cases involved threats to life, and two involved the revenge release of nude or pornographic content.
Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi explained that the agency regularly conducts outreach programmes, including monthly men-focused initiatives in markets, aimed at challenging harmful gender stereotypes and promoting responsible home practices.
Speaking at the event, Adedini Oluropo of the UNILAG Bursary Department urged recognition of domestic violence against men, noting it is often underreported and misunderstood.
He highlighted the emotional and psychological trauma men face, including financial strain, emotional abuse, and the mental health impacts of domestic violence.
“High male suicide rates are often linked to domestic stress and societal pressure that prevent men from speaking out,” Mr Oluropo warned.
Also, Ademola Yusuf, chairman of the Senior Staff Association at UNILAG, stressed that awareness of men’s experiences with domestic violence remains low compared to women’s.
He encouraged open discussion, pointing out that women can also perpetrate violence and that dialogue is key to prevention.
Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi concluded by affirming that domestic and sexual violence affects all genders and that DSVA’s mandate ensures no one is excluded from support services.
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