Only Two Hospitals in Maldives Have Rape Evidence Kits, FPA Reveals

The Family Protection Authority (FPA) has raised serious concerns about the lack of essential medical resources for victims of sexual violence across the Maldives. According to the FPA, rape evidence kits are currently available in just two hospitals in the entire country, despite a steady increase in reported sexual abuse cases.

Alarming Shortage Raised in Parliament Committee

The issue was highlighted during a session of Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights and Gender, which reviewed FPA’s 2024 annual report along with a monitoring report covering the period from June to December last year.

Speaking at the committee, FPA Chief Executive Officer Aminath Shirani Naeem noted that out of 193 hospitals and health centers monitored, only Hulhumalé Hospital and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital currently have rape evidence kits available.

"Of all the health workers surveyed, only one person had formal training in trauma and victim care. That individual works at Kulhudhuffushi Hospital and had taken the initiative to get training on their own," Shirani told the committee.

Rising Sexual Abuse Cases but Lacking Support Systems

FPA also shared statistics showing that sexual abuse cases are on the rise. One out of every eight cases submitted to the authority involves sexual violence, making the absence of proper forensic tools even more concerning.

The monitoring report points to a broader issue—many health centers across the islands simply do not have the capacity to support victims. Without rape evidence kits or trained staff, victims are often left without access to immediate care or forensic documentation, which is crucial for both physical recovery and legal proceedings.

Discussions with Health Ministry and Promised Action

Shirani shared that the FPA had recently met with Health Minister Ahmed Nazim Ibrahim to discuss the urgent need for better preparedness in handling sexual abuse cases. According to her, the ministry has now committed to distributing rape evidence kits to hospitals and health centers before the end of the month.

She also said the ministry is planning to roll out training for victim and trauma management by the end of the year.

"There was some confusion earlier, with the ministry stating that all hospitals have the necessary resources, even if not labeled as 'rape evidence kits.' But now, they’ve agreed to ensure that hospitals receive specifically labeled kits," Shirani added.

While the ministry’s response offers some hope, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges in providing proper care and justice for victims of sexual abuse in the Maldives. Access to timely forensic testing and trauma support can be critical in both the healing process and in holding perpetrators accountable.

With only two hospitals currently equipped and just one trained health professional in trauma care, much remains to be done to build a safer, more responsive support system nationwide.