11-year-old sexually assaulted in Male' City guesthouse

Several reports surfaced of an 11-year-old being sexually abused in a guesthouse located in capital city Male on Wednesday.

Maldives Police Service confirmed an investigation concerning an 11-year-old sexually abused in a guesthouse.

Since Male' City is currently under lockdown with only permitted individuals allowed outdoors, the police are working to establish how the perpetrator was able to take the minor to a guesthouse.

So far no arrests have been made in relation to this case.

A similar incident was reported on May 28, which involved the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old at a guesthouse in Male'. According to the police, the victim was brought from another island by means of blackmail. A 28-year-old has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation of this case.

Following the ongoing lockdown imposed over the health crisis, concerns have been raised by a number of NGOs and advocates working against gender-based violence and to protect child care rights, about the increased danger faced by those “locked-in” with their “abusers”.

The government is yet to act on its pledge to reduce the number of cases and increase the number of arrests and successfully pressed charges against offenders.