Sexual abuse of children Singapore
In March 2017, a food stall assistant was convicted and sentenced to 23.5 years imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane for raping his then 11-year-old daughter. The abuse lasted for 2 years!
According to numbers given by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), there is an increase in sexual abuse of children Singapore by their family members.
The numbers
In 2016, the Child Protection Service looked into 107 cases of alleged sexual abuse of children under 16. In contrast, there were 82 such cases in 2015 and 56 cases in 2014.
While the police conducts the criminal investigation, the Child Protective Service works with families and caregivers to keep children safe.
Children-at-Risk Empowerment Association
The Children-at-Risk Empowerment Association, also known as Care Singapore), helps victims by offering counselling services. Victims often exhibit behavioural changes. For instance, they may neglect their studies or refuse to go to schools. In serious cases, victims may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder and turn to self-harm.
Younger victims will naturally feel betrayed if the perpetrator was someone whom they trust or depend on.
Parents need to be informed on how to deal with situations involving sexual abuse of children Singapore.
See: Seow Bei Yi, “More allegations of children sexually abused by family”, The Straits Times, 3 April 2017
As a family lawyer in Singapore, I have seen some really sad cases of sexual abuse of children Singapore by close family members (including parents).
In divorce matters, the welfare of children is of paramount importance.
If you know of a case of sexual abuse of children in Singapore, the first thing to do is to report the matter to the police.
Thereafter, you may wish to, on behalf of the child, make an application for a personal protection order against the alleged perpetrator.
For more information on sexual abuse of children Singapore, contact us today!
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