Minister Ali Ihusaan Urges Parental Vigilance Amid Rising Child Abuse Cases

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has called on parents to increase vigilance and awareness as the Maldives faces a concerning rise in reported child abuse cases. Speaking to journalists, Minister Ihusaan highlighted a growing trend in incidents involving minors currently under police investigation. He warned that children are increasingly falling victim to multiple forms of violence, ranging from physical and psychological abuse to sexual exploitation. "I have mentioned that some criminal offences, such as child molestation and sexual abuse, are increasing," the Minister stated. "Families and parents must pay special attention to ensure children’s safety more than ever." The urgency of the Minister's warning is supported by recent data from the Family Protection Authority. In March of this year alone, 92 cases of child abuse were reported across the country. A breakdown of these reports reveals 19 cases of domestic violence, 13 instances of sexual abuse, and five cases involving grooming. These figures underscore a critical need for stronger protective measures within the home and wider community. Authorities have stressed that early intervention is essential to preventing long-term trauma and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children. Beyond parental supervision, the government is emphasizing the role of community awareness in identifying red flags and reporting abuse promptly. By fostering an environment where children feel safe to speak and adults are trained to listen, officials hope to curb the upward trajectory of these crimes.