The Maldives Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has reported a total of 75 cases related to child abuse and misconduct were attended during the month of November 2019.

The attended cases during November include;

  • Child Negligence: 23 cases
  • Sexual abuse of children: 21 cases
  • Physical abuse: 20 cases
  • Psychological trauma: 5 cases

Several other cases related to child misconduct, harassment and bullying were reported to the ministry and attended accordingly.

These cases include;

  • Cyber-bullying: 2 cases
  • Child misconduct: 1 case
  • Sexual misconduct/prostitution: 1 case

Moreover, 9 distinct cases of violation of children's rights were reported to the ministry as well.

These include parents' refusal of proper vaccination of their newborns and infants, intervention on children pursuing education as well as refusal of registering the newborns under proper authorities.

A few cases were reported of parents refusing to attest birth certificates of their newborns with relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, another 30 cases related to family disputes centering around children were reported. These include 16 cases related to child custody or the child's guardian refusing to allow children to meet the other parent.

Moreover, 4 separate cases of child support where the legally obligated guardian refused to pay the child support were reported as well.

In addition to this, the ministry had received two cases of juvenile misconduct in November including an assault case involving minors.

Furthermore, 10 disciplinary cases related to children were reported to the ministry as well.