Child sexual abuse case: 2-yo victim brought to capital, further tests being done
Members of the two-year-old's family are accused of abusing her
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A two-year-old girl who was sexually abused by close family members in Kanduhulhudhoo island Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, has been brought to the capital.
The police revealed via a statement that toddler was brought to Malé City on Friday night, and that she has since been admitted at a hospital here for further tests as the initial ones proved that she was abused.
Police also said that the gender ministry had filed the case on January 15, after the girl’s father, 33, refused to hand her over to the mother’s maternal aunt over concerns for her safety. As such, police said that the girl’s 82-year-old great-grandfather has a record of sexual abuse allegations while her grandfather, 62, is suspected of abusing her. While both her parents also have criminal records, she was under her father’s case after the mother had to be brought to the capital due to health issues.
Officers, along with case workers from the gender ministry, are to have gone to their house in Kanduhulhudhoo island. The toddler was then taken to the regional hospital where doctors confirmed signs of abuse.
Hence, she was handed over to her maternal aunt and later moved under the care of her grandmother until her transfer to the capital city for further tests on Friday night.
The grandfather and great grandfather were taken into custody on Friday afternoon under a court order, while her father was arrested from Hulhumalé later in the night. The former two have been issued a 15-day remand.
The news has sparked a public outrage, and a protest held on Friday evening called for the resignation of Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef. Shidhatha is to have met with the protestors, and assured that the ministry will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to ensure the child’s safety and protection.
The "I Stand Against Rape" protest is to continue on Saturday as well.
Photos of the three men have been circulating on social media, which raises further concern over the two-year-old’s safety.
