Man arrested for sexual abuse of 13-year-old stepdaughter

A man has been arrested from southern Maldives for the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

According to police, the sexual abuse of the young girl was reported to the south police division, which covers GA. Atoll, GDh. Atoll, Addu City, and Fuvahmulah City), on April 13.

A police spokesperson said a 33-year-old Maldivian male was arrested in connection to the case the same day.

The spokesperson confirmed the suspect holds a position of authority over the victim.

While the police declined to detail the exact relationship between the suspect and the victim, Sun was able to confirm through credible sources that the suspect is the victim’s stepfather.

He has been remanded in custody of the police for 30 days.

The police do not disclose details, including the island where the crime took place, in order to protect the identity of child victims.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders, which declares special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages, prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense holds a position of authority over the victim.

Those with information regarding crimes against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services’ helpline 1412.