Police investigate case of 18-year-old woman allegedly held and assaulted 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 shared with the media, police said the incident occurred in the Maafannu ward and was reported at 18:11 on Tuesday. No further details have been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that the case is under active investigation.

Separately, police also confirmed that a woman who sought help on the street and was taken to hospital had been sexually assaulted. That case is being handled independently.

Sexual violence remains a serious concern in the Maldives. Despite the frequency of such crimes, particularly against children, many cases go unreported due to stigma and systemic barriers.

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