The Family Protection Authority (FPA) expressed worries today that, despite the increase in sexual offenses, rape evidence kits exist in merely two hospitals nationwide. 

FPA raised these issues during today's session of the Parliament's Committee on Human Rights and Gender. The meeting took place to evaluate the FPA's annual report for 2024 and the monitoring report. 

During the meeting, FPA presented their insights from the monitoring report concerning rape evidence kits. 

The FPA stated that oversight was carried out from June to December 2024. It was stated that three monitoring reports have been prepared so far and distributed to the parliament and the appropriate ministry. 

FPA reported statistics indicating an increase in sexual offenses and stated that one in eight cases they received involves sexual abuse crimes. 

FPA stated that most islands lack the resources to perform essential tests on victims of sexual abuse. 

FPA's CEO, Aminath Shirani Naeem, reported that there are only two hospitals in the nation equipped with rape evidence kits. 

The only hospitals equipped with rape evidence kits are Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and Hulhumale' Hospital. "Out of the 193 monitored hospitals and health centres, merely one health service worker possessed training in victim and trauma management," she stated. 

Shirani mentioned that this healthcare worker, employed at the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, had sought training independently. 

She also mentioned that the FPA has discussed with Health Minister Nazim Ibrahim and expressed worries regarding the shortage of rape evidence kits. She stated that the Minister confirmed that hospitals and health centers will receive rape evidence kits by the month's end, and that training for victim and trauma management will be available by the year's end. 

"The ministry asserts that every hospital will possess the necessary resources."