What the first response looks like
At the point of disclosure, an FCSC social worker provides crisis counselling, explains the survivor’s legal rights and options, and coordinates immediate practical needs, including transport to a shelter or assistance with a protection order application. The social worker then remains the primary point of contact across referrals to other agencies.
Protection orders
Under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, survivors or third parties can obtain civil protection orders that prohibit contact, exclude the perpetrator from a shared residence, or address custody and maintenance, with temporary orders issuable without the perpetrator present. Breaching an order is a criminal offence. Police must respond promptly to reports, enter a residence without a warrant if necessary, and notify the Family Protection Authority.
Shelter and its alternatives
One dedicated shelter currently operates, in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with additional shelters under construction in Raa, Seenu, and Hulhumalé. Many victims prefer to stay with trusted relatives instead, and the law explicitly allows social workers to facilitate that arrangement with the victim’s location kept confidential.
Key facts
- The Ministry maintains a Family and Children’s Service Centre with on-call social workers in every atoll of the Maldives.
- Civil protection orders under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act can exclude a perpetrator from a shared residence, and breach is a criminal offence.
- One dedicated domestic violence shelter operates in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with three more under construction in Raa, Seenu, and Hulhumalé.
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