This week marks 13 years since the Domestic Violence Prevention Act came into force in the Maldives — a historic step that officially criminalized domestic violence and paved the way for a nationwide response.
Since its enactment on April 23, 2012, the Family Protection Authority (FPA), established under the Act, has led efforts to combat domestic violence. One of its key initiatives has been the development of the Domestic Violence Prevention National Strategy (DVPNS), aimed at institutionalizing prevention, protection, and justice through unified national policies.
To strengthen frontline response, the FPA rolled out a standardized handbook for state institutions and conducted training across 15 atolls, targeting police, social services, healthcare workers, the judiciary, schools, and community leaders.
In recent years, the FPA has improved systems for reporting and responding to domestic violence, partnered with counseling providers for quicker access to psychological support, and introduced a risk assessment tool that helps authorities assess the likelihood of repeat offenses by abusers.
The launch of Legal Aid Services in 2023 has so far provided legal assistance to 44 victims, while a National Referral Pathway was established with UNFPA’s support to ensure a coordinated response to domestic and gender-based violence cases.
The FPA has also introduced a Perpetrator Rehabilitation Programme in partnership with Maldives Correctional Service, alongside launching an emergency fund for survivors. A study is also underway to identify barriers faced by survivors — especially those with disabilities — in accessing support.
Despite these gains, the FPA acknowledges ongoing challenges: a lack of anger management and rehabilitation programs for offenders, inadequate enforcement, and limited budgets and personnel to expand services.
The FPA is hopeful that proposed amendments to the Act, now on the government’s legislative agenda, will address these gaps and place greater emphasis on a victim-centered approach, ensuring faster justice and better protection.
Thirteen years on, Maldives has taken meaningful steps — but much more remains to be done to end domestic violence for good.