57 domestic violence cases, no indictments made

Police have revealed that over 50 cases of domestic violence were investigated in the first quarter of this year, but none have been sent for prosecution yet.

Out of the 146 reported cases, 13 were filed and 57 were investigated, according to a Maldivian native Dhivehi language report by local media outlet Mihaaru.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with these cases.

The investigations involved 29 cases of violence among family members and 28 cases among married couples.

The alleged abusers had an average age range of 35-39, with nine individuals falling into that category, while others were aged between 25 and 64.

Many of the victims were children, with 12 girls, 12 boys, 14 women, and one man affected by domestic violence.

The capital city of Male' had the highest number of reported cases, totaling 32, followed by two cases in Addu City and one case in Fuvahmulah.

In addition, during the same period, 119 cases of sexual offenses were reported, with 69 cases being accepted. These included 36 cases of sexual harassment of children, five cases of prostitution, six cases of sexual harassment, and 22 miscellaneous cases.

Twenty-two individuals were arrested in connection with the sexual offenses, but only one person has been indicted so far.