Police in the Maldives have launched an investigation into allegations that a female teacher engaged in grooming behavior with a male student in the eighth grade. The incident, reported to police on January 21, occurred on an island in the southern region of the country.
Grooming involves establishing an emotional connection with a child, often through gifts or other means, to facilitate sexual abuse. In this case, specific details—including the names of the individuals and the island—have been withheld to protect the child’s identity, as mandated by law.
The Ministry of Education has not yet issued a statement, leaving it unclear whether any disciplinary action has been taken against the teacher involved.
This incident is not isolated. In October 2021, a teacher in Malé was suspended following allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple students. The Education Ministry confirmed an administrative review was underway, and police investigations were initiated.
Under Maldivian law, the punishment for grooming a child for sexual abuse is a 10-year prison sentence. If the perpetrator holds a position of trust with the child, such as a teacher, the sentence increases to 15 years.
The Maldives ratified the Child Rights Protection Act in 2020, reinforcing legal safeguards for children, including prohibitions against child marriage and labor. Despite these measures, challenges persist in fully protecting children from exploitation and abuse.
Authorities urge anyone with information about offenses against children to contact the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services’ helpline at 1412.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the student involved and reinforcing protective measures within educational institutions across the Maldives.
