A Maldivian man has been arrested on charges of sexually and physically assaulting a young girl in a southern island.
In a message to the media, the police said that the victim was assaulted by an individual in a position of trust. A 41-year-old Maldivian male was taken into custody in connection with the case.
"A case was reported to the police on August 31, 2026, alleging that an individual in a position of trust committed sexual abuse, as well as physical and psychological assault, against a 13-year-old girl," the police said regarding the investigation.
According to police statistics, 174 cases of sexual offences have been reported so far this year. The high prevalence of sexual crimes remains one of the most significant social issues in the Maldives.
Research conducted by UNICEF indicates that one in every three girls in the Maldives will experience sexual abuse at least once in her lifetime. Studies also show that 15 percent of all children in the Maldives have fallen victim to sexual abuse.
