Increase in violation of domestic violence protection orders; 38 arrests

Maldives Police Service, on Thursday, revealed 38 arrests were made last year for violation of domestic violence protection orders.

According to the Police, there has been a notable rise in cases where court orders issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, meant to protect victims, have been breached.

Data from the past year shows that 99 cases involving the violation of such protection orders were reported to authorities. Of these, 38 individuals were taken into custody, while 24 cases were referred to the Prosecutor General’s Office for criminal prosecution.

A protection order is a legal directive issued by a court to ensure a victim’s safety when there is a risk of repeated violence. These orders may require the perpetrator to take specific actions or, more commonly, prohibit certain behaviors or contact with the victim.

The Police highlighted that the main purpose of these orders is to safeguard the physical and psychological well-being of domestic violence victims and to uphold their fundamental rights.

Statistics continue to show that domestic violence and sexual abuse remain prevalent in the Maldives, with women and children being the most frequent victims.