Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 2016 arrested for sexually abusing two girls,15 a brother was arrested for sexually abusing his 13 year old disabled sister,16 a man was arrested for sexually assaulting his wife,17 just to name a few. 2015 began with even more horrendous cases of abuse and harassment. There was the case of a mother who allowed her boyfriend to sexually abuse her own 14 year old daughter.18 A foreign teacher was arrested for sexually abusing many of his students.19 A woman fought for her life and succumbed to death due to the grave damage caused by the sexual assault on her by her husband.20 The Maldives Police Services (MPS) acknowledged the difficulties they face while gathering evidence in some cases, as some of the victims of sexual abuse or rape seek their help only after cleaning themselves up. This is unfortunate as it destroys all the evidence that could be gathered from the victims.21 MPS further stated that the chances of apprehending the perpetrators and providing justice to the victims would have been easier had the relevant information on what could be used as evidence and what to do in such situations like sexual abuse and rape were more widely known and discussed. Furthermore, if children were provided with the knowledge to identify dangerous situations and taught how to react in such situations, these heinous crimes committed against children could be prevented and reduced as well.22 15 Niyaza, A. (2013, March 28). Kuda 2 anhen kuhjakah jinsee goanaa kurikamuge thuhumathugaa health officer aku hahyarukohfi. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/28661 16 Abdulhakeem, M. (2014, May 12). Nukulhedhey kudakuhjaku jinsee shikaara akah hedhi meehaku hahyakukohfi. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/41530 17 Raniya, M. (2014, January 27). Anbimeeha ah jinsee aniya kurikamuge thuhumathugaa meehaku hahyarukohfi. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/38204 18 Niyaza, A. (2015, February 4). Dharifulhah jinsee goanaakuran huhdhadhin mamma aa mammage loabiveriyage muhdhathu jahaifi. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/51586 19 Ali, A.S. (2015, July 13). Dharivarunah Jinsee Goana kurikamuge thuhumathugaa teacheraku hahyarukohfi. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/58000 20 Nazeer, A. (2015, December 13). Firimeehaage faraathun libunu jinsee aniyathakugaa anhenaku ICU gaa. SunOnline. Retrieved from http://sun.mv/66465 21 Information received at Stakeholder Meetings with Maldives Police Services, 2012. 22 Information received at Stakeholder Meetings with Maldives Police Services, 2012. 5 INTRODUCTION