Maldives Police Service have begun an investigation over a reported case of sexual assault in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale’ that took place last Friday.
According to local media Mihaaru, a 13-year-old girl was assaulted in the park near the grand mosque in Neighborhood One. It has been alleged that more than one person was involved in the assault. The police have refused to comment further on the case and is yet to confirm the arrest of any suspects. Sexual abuse against children has been on the rise in Maldives, as evident by the Ministry of Gender and Family's 2017 statistical report indicating 418 reported cases of child sexual abuse. Furthermore, 535 cases of physical and mental abuse, as well as 308 cases regarding the neglect of children, have been reported to the ministry.