FPA Reports Highest Domestic Violence Cases of Women in 2023

The Family Protection Authority has released the latest statistics for the fourth quarter of 2023, revealing a concerning trend of gender disparity in domestic violence cases, with 113 incidents involving women, 23 involving men, 40 involving boys, 53 involving girls, and 21 cases with unspecified gender.

An analysis of the quarterly breakdown of 2023 reveals fluctuating figures across different demographic groups. For women, the numbers stood at 105, 102, 115, and 113 for quarters one through four, respectively. Conversely, men reported 18, 15, 26, and 23 cases over the same period. 

Similarly, girls and boys exhibited varying trends throughout the quarters, with cases fluctuating across the reporting periods. Notably, there were 15 cases, 14 cases, 22 cases, and 21 cases of domestic violence involving individuals whose gender was not identified across quarters one to four.

Further examination of the data highlights the most prevalent forms of domestic violence reported. Verbal and psychological abuse topped the list with 136 cases, closely followed by physical abuse with 128 incidents. Other commonly reported types included exposure of minors to domestic violence (106 cases), threats (65 cases), abuse (47 cases), and negligence (34 cases).

The geographical distribution of domestic violence cases across atolls provides insight into regional variations. In Haa Alif Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and Raa Atoll, there were no reported cases. Conversely, the Greater Male’ Region recorded the highest number with 140 cases. 

Other atolls such as Baa Atoll (10 cases), Lhaviyani Atoll (5 cases), and Thaa Atoll (11 cases) also reported notable incidents. However, several atolls, including Haa Dhaal Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, and Laamu Atoll, reported minimal or no cases during the period under review.