Increasing reports of family violence highlight the need for better victim support and awareness in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: As a social worker specializing in family violence, Ms. Kristine Lam understands the critical nature of the initial encounter between a victim and the police. This interaction can heavily influence whether the victim seeks help again.
“Police are often the first point of contact. According to international literature, the first experience significantly impacts a victim’s decision to seek further assistance,” said Ms. Lam, principal social worker at Care Corner Singapore, during a recent briefing by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) about the rising incidence of family violence cases.
Drawing from her experiences, Ms. Lam recounted instances where victims felt overwhelmed by questioning, leaving them with a sense that their situations were not taken seriously. These negative experiences can discourage victims from pursuing further help.
In January, Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim reported a 10% monthly increase in family violence cases from April to December 2020, a trend attributed to increased time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The police recently indicated that reports for offenses commonly linked to family violence—such as assault and criminal intimidation—have risen from 2,560 in the first half of 2020 to 2,603 in the same period this year, with similar figures noted in 2021.
Most of these cases involve spousal or ex-spousal violence, followed by parental and child violence. Ms. Lam advocates for enhanced training for police officers, emphasizing that such training could empower victims to seek early intervention.
Training Initiatives
To address the multifaceted nature of family violence, the SPF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), established a Police Training Workgroup in June 2021. This initiative aims to equip frontline officers with specialized training tailored for handling family violence cases.
The workgroup is composed of members from various backgrounds, including family service centers and crisis shelters. “The nature of family violence is complex, often rooted in deeper issues, making enforcement and prosecution insufficient as standalone solutions,” the SPF stated in its media factsheet.
During training, Senior Staff Sergeant Matthew Joshua Wee shared insights into the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of both victims and perpetrators. Officers undergo scenario-based training to develop the soft skills necessary for effectively engaging with those involved.
“We employ a ‘train the trainer’ model, where select officers receive training and then teach their peers,” explained SSS Wee. “This approach allows for more comprehensive understanding and application of best practices.”
Support for Victims
The Community Policing Unit has designated officers as family violence community policing officers since July 2022, focusing on managing family violence cases. These officers serve as the primary contacts between social service agencies and affected families, promoting a coordinated support network.
Once a report of family violence is filed, police assess the situation to determine whether an investigation is warranted. They also facilitate social support for victims, ensuring they receive the necessary resources, such as temporary accommodation if they cannot return home.
For serious cases, police check in with victims within the first week of filing a report to ensure they have access to further assistance.
“Depending on the nature of the violence and the offender’s profile, police consider various factors before taking action,” SSS Wee noted. “Our goal is to ensure victims feel safe and supported in seeking help.”
Collaboration with Social Workers
The MSF partners with community-based centers to provide essential services, including counseling and casework for both victims and perpetrators. These collaborations ensure a holistic approach to managing family violence situations.
In “clear-cut” cases where victims consent to social services involvement, social workers first work with the victims to determine the best way to engage with the perpetrator. This approach considers the perpetrators’ feelings, ensuring that communication occurs at a suitable time and manner.
“Establishing clear boundaries based on legal definitions and acceptable behaviors is crucial,” Ms. Lam explained. “By doing so, we can help perpetrators understand the impact of their actions and explore alternative methods of resolving conflicts.”
Understanding the Victim’s Perspective
Ms. Lam highlighted the phenomenon of the “boiling frog” syndrome in family violence scenarios. Victims may gradually normalize abusive behavior, leading them to perceive their situation as less severe than it is.
“Many victims tell themselves they can forgive and forget, hoping their abuser will change,” she explained. By the time they seek help, they often fail to recognize the extent of their abuse.
“Shockingly, they often don’t see themselves as victims,” Ms. Lam added, pointing out that psychological abuse can lead to severe mental health consequences, including anxiety and depression.
Unique Challenges in Parental Abuse Cases
Among the various forms of family violence, parental abuse presents unique challenges. Victims, often older adults, may struggle with decision-making and feel trapped in their circumstances.
Cultural beliefs may also prevent victims from seeking help, as they grapple with feelings of shame and loyalty toward their children.
In such cases, Ms. Lam noted that continuous engagement from police officers can reassure victims that support is available and that their situation is being monitored. This consistent outreach fosters trust and encourages victims to report incidents of violence.
Empowering Victims through Awareness
To empower victims, the police are collaborating with various social service agencies to create informative pamphlets. These resources will outline the signs of family violence, how to apply for Personal Protection Orders, and provide helpline information.
Currently being piloted in select police divisions, these pamphlets aim to increase awareness and accessibility of resources by mid-2023.
Confronting Ambivalence
For victims who are unsure about seeking help, social workers engage them in conversations to address common fears, such as escalating violence after involving authorities.
“When victims express concerns, we provide them with reassurance and information to help alleviate their worries,” Ms. Lam explained.
Ultimately, the goal is to encourage victims to file police reports, leading to investigations and safety measures.
Conclusion
Family violence remains a complex and multifaceted issue, with various barriers preventing victims from seeking help. However, through enhanced training, collaboration with social services, and ongoing outreach efforts, authorities aim to create a more supportive environment for victims.
As these initiatives develop, it is crucial for victims to recognize their worth and understand that support is available. Awareness and education can empower individuals to take the necessary steps toward a safer and healthier future.
Where to get help:
National Anti-Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 777 0000
