Violations of domestic violence protection orders on the rise: Police
According to statistics from December 2024, the Ministry of Social and Family Development received reports of 50 domestic violence cases involving female victims and three cases involving male victims.
From an awareness program conducted by the police. | MPS | Maldives police
The Maldives Police Service has reported a rising trend in cases involving violations of domestic violence protection orders.
Police have stated that they have observed an increasing trend in violations of protection orders issued by courts to safeguard victims under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (Law No. 3/2012).
According to statistics for 2025, a total of 99 cases involving violations of domestic violence protection orders have been reported. In connection with these incidents, police have taken 38 individuals into custody.
A protection order is a legal mandate issued by a court to ensure the safety and security of a victim in situations where there is a risk of recurring abuse. Through this order, the perpetrator is directed to perform specific actions or, conversely, prohibited from engaging in certain behaviors. The primary objective of such an order is to safeguard the physical and psychological well-being of domestic violence victims while protecting their fundamental rights.
Any violation of a "Temporary Protection Order" or a "Protection Order" issued by the court shall be investigated as a criminal offense. Following the investigation of such cases, they will be forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for criminal prosecution.
In this regard, the police stated that 24 such cases have been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution during 2025.
Furthermore, the police have urged the public to strictly comply with and respect protection orders issued by the courts. They also requested that any violations of such orders be reported without delay.
The police have emphasized that ensuring a safe and secure environment for victims of domestic violence remains a top priority. Despite this commitment, cases of domestic abuse and sexual assault continue to be prevalent across the Maldives. According to statistics from December 2024, the Ministry of Social and Family Development received reports of 50 domestic violence cases involving female victims and three cases involving male victims.
