A Maldivian court, for the first time ever, has allowed a victim impact statement.

The decision was made by the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court in a case concluded yesterday, where a man was sentenced to 54 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child from the age of 8 until the minor turned 18.

With the court's allowance, the victim was able to explain the mental and physical suffering they went through as a result of a crime and the impact of the incident on their life.

The Prosecutor General's Office said the statement was submitted to the court through the office, and that the ordeal was described with great emotion in the statement.

The statement was delivered in court by Public Prosecutor Almas Mubarik.

In criminal cases involving victims, the office’s top priority, in addition to its efforts to prove guilt, is to empower victims, PG Office also said.

The office also welcomed the court's decision accept the prosecutors' request to give the victim an opportunity to testify before sentencing.

"This office is moving towards a victim-centered system by increasing opportunities for victims within the criminal justice system." PG office said in a statement.