Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has said that they have received a report from an island in the northern portion of the country regarding a sexual assault on a minor by the child’s stepfather.

The Ministry said that an investigation is underway following the report yesterday.

While the child in question has been moved to a safe environment, the Ministry said that Maldives Police Service are investigating further.

The number of reported cases of sexual assault on minors have been increased in the past few weeks.