Lagos publishes nationwide directory to help GBV survivors access support

The Lagos State government has published a directory of gender-based violence (GBV) coordinators across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to help survivors report abuse and access support services.

The directory, released through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), contains office addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses for state-level GBV response contacts.

Onadipe Opebere, head of the agency’s public affairs unit, announced the release in a statement on Monday.

The publication follows a two-day National Convening of GBV State Coordinators hosted by Lagos State to strengthen collaboration among those working on GBV prevention and response.

The initiative received support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

“The directory provides key contact details of GBV State Coordinators, serving as a practical resource to support reporting, referrals, and access to appropriate response services for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” the statement reads.

“It is designed to strengthen coordination and referral pathways among stakeholders working in GBV prevention and response, while making it easier for citizens to identify and connect with the appropriate state-level contacts.”

The agency urged individuals, government institutions, civil society organisations and community groups to use the directory and share it within their networks.

Ms Opebere said the agency remained committed to strengthening partnerships and coordinated responses to GBV, while helping survivors across Nigeria access timely and appropriate support.

The DSVA is a Lagos State government agency responsible for responding to domestic and sexual violence and providing support services to survivors.

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Why GBV is persistent in Nigeria

Deep-rooted cultural norms, gender inequalities and economic dependence have been identified as factors that contribute to the persistence of GBV in Nigeria.

Societal expectations that men should exercise authority while women remain submissive can reinforce unequal power relations and normalise abusive behaviour.

Economic dependence can also make it difficult for some survivors to leave abusive relationships or seek help, particularly when they lack the financial resources to support themselves and their children.

Although Nigeria has enacted laws to address GBV, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, enforcement remains uneven across the country. The law criminalises several forms of violence and abuse, but gaps in implementation and access to justice continue to pose challenges to efforts to protect survivors.