Special Challenges in Psychological Profiling of Victims of Crime in the Maldives: Perspectives of a Licensed Maldivian Clinical Psychologist

Abstract

Maldives reports several incidents of crime every year. Although statistics are not available, many of these cases are sent for psychological profiling.  Maldives struggles with its mental health services and have very limited resources. However, as psychological assessments are now considered an important document within the criminal justice system, psychologists are contacted regularly to carry out psychological profiling. The national statistics show that in the year 2023, 3323 crimes were investigated, 2108 reported crimes were closed while 220 cases were sent for prosecution. The type of crime most frequently reported include, drug related offenses, theft, robbery and burglary, physical assault, domestic violence and crimes against children. In the Maldives, there are only a handful of trained psychologists who can carry out these assessments, have limited access to psychological assessment tools, few psychological tests are standardized and available in the local language, and psychologists have to travel to various parts of the country to carry out the assessments and prepare these reports within limited time periods. The current presentation is an experiential account of a licensed clinical psychologist who is involved in carrying out psychological profiling of both offenders and victims in the Maldives.