In a media release by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Thursday (14 May), stated that there were 476 reports filed for offences commonly associated with family violence from 7 April to 6 May. Offences include hurt, criminal force and assault, criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement.
There was a jump of 22 per cent in such cases compared to the monthly average of 389 such cases before the COVID-19 circuit breaker period began on 7 April.
“The Singapore Police Force takes a serious view of such cases. Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against those who abuse their family members, and also enhance collaboration with social service agencies to combat family violence,” SPF said in the media release.
Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, said in the media release :
Worldwide trends show that stress and social isolation caused by COVID-19 could lead to more cases of family violence,” she said.
“There can be many reasons why victims do not specifically request for assistance or shelter, but to better protect them, the Police will proactively refer victims at higher risk of further violence to social service agencies and also follow up by checking up on them to make sure they are all right.
“We need to keep the victims of family violence on our radar and ensure that harm does not happen to them again.”
“We also appeal to the community to help keep a look out for signs of family violence and to report their suspicions so that help can be rendered to the victim as soon as possible. The simple act of reporting can help save someone’s life or prevent further suffering.”