This memo analyzes data for the focus states of Borno, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta for August 2015.

Total reports received by the NSRP Observatory rose in the month of August, following a slight dip in reporting during the month of July. The number of reports of VAWG-related incidents has continued to increase since early 2014, possibly reflecting an increased awareness of the issue as well as more of a willingness for survivors to report their cases without additional stigma or repercussions. Additionally, the continued registration of organizations as Peace Agents on the Observatory platform that focus on gender issues represents an increase in community-based resources for women and girls affected by violence. Since the project’s inception, the number of Peace Agents nearly doubled from 38 to 67 organizations. As has been the case in previous months, reports of violence affecting women and girls in August in the Niger Delta and Plateau entailed mainly sexual and domestic violence, while those in the Northeast have been linked with insurgency and counter-insurgency violence, particularly incidents linked to JAS.