Family Protection Authority will be formed without delay: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the ratification and enforcement of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act would provide great protection to women and girls, and also announced that the Family Protection Authority as required by the Act will be formed without delay.

Speaking to reporters after ratifying the first bill since he became President, President Waheed said that the Family Protection Authority will be set up soon with seven board members:

“The legislation obligates a Family Protection Authority for its enforcement and monitoring. I will soon appoint a seven-member board for the management of this Family Protection Authority,” President Waheed said.

He noted that domestic violence is a serious problem in the Maldivian society, and said that one in three women is a victim of domestic abuse.

“This usually takes place at home. So this Act would provide great protection to women and girls,” the President said.

The President thanked all MPs involved in submitting and passing the bill in the Parliament.