Tourist In Maldives Allegedly Raped By Resort Butler, No Arrests Yet
The butler was sent to her room after she sought help from the front desk regarding her waterlogged phone.
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A 26-year-old Chinese student from Australia claimed that she was raped during her stay in one of the resorts in the Kaafu Atoll, Maldives on 6 June.
It’s believed that the perpetrator is a resort staff who attended to her as a butler.
The victim said the butler was sent to her room after she sought help from the front desk regarding her alleged waterlogged phone.
After the attack, the victim sought medical attention at the Health Center on Thulusdhoo island within the Kaafu Atoll.
Based on the images uploaded by the victim on social media, she sustained injuries such as bruises and scratches on her body.
Additional information regarding her condition or the specific nature of her injuries has not been made public at this time.
According to The Press, Maldivian police confirmed that an investigation into the rape allegation is underway.
The police said they have taken the necessary samples to help with the investigation, but no arrests have been made yet 12 days after the incident.
The Maldives Journal wrote that the authorities are under increased pressure to address the safety concerns and maintain the reputation of the Maldives as a safe and welcoming destination.
According to Equality Now, sexual violence was traditionally considered a private matter in the Maldives.
However, there have been increasing calls for the state to address instances of sexual violence.
A high-profile case of attempted rape on a safari boat in the harbour of Hulhumale in June 2020 resulted in public protests. It prompted lawmakers to propose amendments to the laws on sexual violence.
In 2021, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the First Amendment to the Sexual Offences Act to improve the definition of rape to include marital rape without exception and strengthen investigations, including removing burdensome evidence requirements.
The amendment mandates the provision of rape evidence kits at all government hospitals and health centres, and training staff to have a “victim-centred and trauma-informed” approach and how to use rape evidence kits.
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