Man being investigated over allegations of sexually abusing daughter

A man from the island of Naifaru in Lhaviyani atoll is being investigated by police over allegations he sexually assaulted his teenage daughter, reports local media.

Police confirmed they were investigating the case, but could not reveal further details as the probe is ongoing.

The young girl, who is said to be in grade nine, has been taken into state custody by the Ministry of Gender and Family, a member of Naifaru council confirmed to SunOnline.

Family members of the alleged victim, who spoke to SunOnline, claim the girl was subjected to abuse for more than a year and that the mother was aware of it. The mother and daughter were coerced into silence by the father, they claim.

The father was arrested a few days ago in a separate case for physically abusing a step-daughter, SunOnline reported.

November statistics from the Gender Ministry show 124 cases were reported to and attended regarding violence against children, with 57 cases of sexual abuse reported in this category.