A report by Invictus Africa has named Ekiti, Lagos and Rivers as the states with the highest number of reported cases of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Adebukola Shonibare, director of Invictus Africa, also revealed that 63 percent of Nigerians have either directly experienced gender-based violence (GBV) or know someone who has, according to findings of the 2024 Womanity Index report.
Speaking during the report’s release on Wednesday, Shonibare explained that the survey, which sampled 18,500 Nigerians nationwide, highlighted the pervasive nature of GBV in the country.
The data also showed that only 37 percent of respondents had neither experienced GBV nor knew anyone who had. “And when we say GBV, we are not just talking about sexual forms like rape or sexual assault,” Shonibare clarified. “We are talking about GBV in the form of sexual, physical, emotional, economic, mental, or psychological abuse.”
The report indicated that 70 percent of GBV incidents occur within homes, followed by public spaces such as markets, schools, workplaces, and religious institutions.
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Shonibare noted that 34 percent of those affected sought help, with families and relatives being the first point of contact, followed by the police or other law enforcement agencies. “Ideally, police or law enforcement should be the first place they seek help,” she said. “But trust plays a significant role in determining where people turn for assistance.”
Lagos, Rivers, and Ekiti states reported the highest prevalence of GBV against women and girls, according to the report.
The survey aimed to assess the progress of subnational governments in preventing and addressing GBV while promoting gender equality. Shonibare said the assessment was based on various indexes, including laws and policies, access to legal justice, support services for survivors, information and awareness, and budget allocation.
Highlighting some successes, Shonibare praised Kaduna State for its advancements, noting that the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act had improved its ranking in the laws and policies index. “The state also established and launched its sexual assault referral centre, which it didn’t have before, and this boosted its score,” she added.
Shonibare concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to address GBV and ensure that survivors have access to justice and support services.
