Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a shift from responding to gender-based violence to preventing it, as the state unveiled its Gender-Based Violence Prevention Policy.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu said families, schools, communities and institutions must confront harmful behaviours before they escalate into violence.

He said survivors must also have easy access to safety, care and justice.

The governor said Lagos recorded 33,009 GBV cases between September 2021 and July 2026, including domestic violence, rape, child abuse and sexual harassment.

He urged stronger collaboration among states to improve prevention, referrals, survivor support and justice.