Maldives Police Service on Tuesday confirmed that authorities launched investigations into a case of a mother sexually abusing her underaged child in a southern island.
According to Police, they recieved reports of a mother, aged 38, repeatedly sexually abusing her 14-year-old son.
Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services confirmed that the report was submitted to the ministry on February 2. Following the report, authorities relocated the victim, along with two of the woman's other children, to a safe environment.
Police stated that authorities were currently investigating the case but did not reveal further information.
The frequency of sexual abuse reports has recently spiked following a case involving the sexual abuse of a 21-month-old girl in Kanduhulhudhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll, that surfaced in mid-January.
The government came under fire from the public for the state's failure to effectively deal with such cases.
Despite the increasing number of reported cases regarding rape and sexual violence, authorities have yet to confirm any convictions against suspects apprehended in relation to these crimes.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also highlighted the urgency of curbing the issue during his presidential address in the parliament's 2020 inaugural session.
Sign In