Child Sex Abuse in the Maldives

(Maldives Islands, Indian Ocean) Evidence grows that child sex abuse in the Sunni Muslim Maldives is prevalent and increasing.

Many complaints are never investigated because the perpetrators leave one island for another, raising concerns that the abuse simply continues with different children in a new location.

Here's a recent example:

A Qu’ran teacher has been reported to police for allegedly sexually abusing a seven year old child on Baa atoll Thuladhoo, and remains at large pending the investigation into his case.

The child’s family have said the man, who they say is now teaching in Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo, had been abusing the girl since Ramazan last year.

Police media spokesperson Sergeant Ahmed Shiyam said the suspect has not been arrested but the case is currently under investigation.

The victim’s brother said the suspect was taken in for questioning and his passport has been taken, but he has not been charged.

Passports of suspects may be confiscated for seven days before a court order must be obtained to hold them for longer.

Interestingly, it was only last February that the laws were changed to specify jail time for child sex offenders, when and if they are prosecuted and convicted.