Police Investigate Alleged Unlawful Confinement and Assault of Woman in Male’

Police have launched an investigation into a case involving an 18-year-old woman who was allegedly held against her will and physically assaulted inside a residence in Male’.

In a statement issued to the media, police said the incident occurred in the Maafannu ward and was reported at 18:11 on Tuesday. Authorities have not released further details but confirmed that the matter remains under active investigation.

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Police separately confirmed that a woman who sought help on the street and was taken to hospital had been sexually assaulted. Officials said this case is being investigated independently.

Sexual violence continues to be a serious concern in the Maldives. Despite the prevalence of such offences, particularly those involving children, many cases remain unreported due to social stigma and systemic obstacles.

A recent study has also identified the Maldives as the most accessible country in South Asia for child sexual abuse material, raising further concerns over digital safety and enforcement measures.