The Maldives Police Service has disclosed that 38 individuals were arrested last year for violating court-issued domestic violence protection orders, signaling a troubling rise in breaches of these critical safety measures.

Police data indicates 99 reported violations of orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, which aim to shield victims from further harm. 

Of these, 38 suspects were detained, while 24 cases were forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office for criminal charges.

Protection orders serve as court directives compelling abusers to cease contact or specific behaviors, safeguarding victims' physical and psychological wellbeing along with their fundamental rights.

Authorities emphasized that domestic violence and sexual abuse persist as major issues across the Maldives, disproportionately affecting women and children as primary victims.