Statistics: Most common form of abuse amongst children is sexual abuse

Statistics publicized by Maldives Bureau of Statistics on the occasion of National Children’s Day, on May 10, show that the most common form of abuse experienced by children in the Maldives last year was sexual abuse.

As per the statistics – sexual abuse was experienced more by girls than boys. In this regard, the number of girls who had been sexually abused last year stood between 200 to 250. Meanwhile, the number of boys who had been sexually abused last year stood between 50 and 100.

The second most common form of abuse experienced by children in the Maldives last year was flagged as physical abuse.

Physical abuse was mostly experienced by boys, the stats showed. In this regard, approximately 100 to 150 boys were physically abused. Meanwhile, approximately 50 to 100 girls were physically abused.

Fourth and third most common forms of abuse experienced by children in the Maldives last year were listed as psychological/verbal abuse and negligence respectively.

Psychological/verbal abuse was most experienced by girls last year. The number of girls who had been subject to psychological/verbal abuse stood between 50 and 100. Meanwhile, the number of boys who had been subject to psychological/verbal abuse stood between 0 and 50.

The number of both girls and boys that had been neglected last year stood between 0 and 50.

A total of 89,485 children were enrolled in schools for different grades last year; 45,707 boys and 43,778 girls.

That is 17,726 students in preschools, 50,725 students in primary schools, 18,105 students in secondary schools and 2,917 students in higher secondary schools.

The statistics show that the under 18 population of the Maldives will comprise of 130,856 children by the end of the year; 52 percent being boys and 48 percent being girls.

Out of this, 26,567 boys and 24,424 girls are expected to be living in Male’ area – whereas 41,944 boys and 37,911 girls are expected to reside in atolls.