[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – Family violence has increased since the circuit breaker tripped on April 7, according to the latest police figures, and this has led authorities to take a more proactive approach to help high-risk victims.
From April 7 to May 6, 476 police reports were filed for crimes commonly associated with family violence.
This was a 22 percent increase compared to the monthly average of 389 for such cases before the switch period, police said in a statement Thursday (May 14).
Offenses include causing harm, using criminal force, battery, criminal intimidation, and unlawful confinement.
With the circuit breaker, which encourages Singaporeans to stay home to curb the spread of Covid-19, extended until June 1, authorities are providing more support to victims of family violence.
Police said they will assess victims’ risks of encountering more family violence and refer those most at risk to social services, even if they do not ask for help or shelter.
“In making these assessments, the police will consider a number of factors, including the profiles of their criminals and the nature of the violence inflicted,” police said.
This is a step forward from the current protocol of referring victims to the nearest family service center or to the center specialized in family violence if they request social assistance.
Victims seeking refuge are also referred to one of the four crisis shelters funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
The police will also monitor victims by contacting them regularly to consult them and find out if they need further help.
To address the root cause of family violence and break its cycle, the police will now also step in to help criminals tackle the underlying problems that led them to commit violent acts against their family members.
They will refer offenders to social workers who will assess whether intervention is needed, such as counseling, mental health assistance, and financial assistance. Offenders will be referred to the appropriate agencies for help.
This initiative to support criminals was piloted in the Bedok Police Division last year and is now available to all police ground divisions.
Police said this will ensure that offenders in need of social assistance are referred to aid channels sooner.
Improved police measures to prevent incidents of family violence come after an inter-agency task force was created in February to increase public awareness of family violence and launch initiatives for victims.
On April 23, the task force said it is aware that individuals and families may experience more stress amidst the extended period of the switch that could lead to violence.
He urged those experiencing family violence to come forward and seek help by calling hotlines run by MSF and its partners. It also encouraged family members and the public to report cases of family violence.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs Sun Xueling said Thursday: “Global trends show that the stress and social isolation caused by Covid-19 could lead to more cases of family violence.
“We need to keep victims of family violence on our radar and ensure that the damage does not happen to them again.”
Ms. Sun, who also co-chairs the Task Force on Family Violence, added: “We also call on the community to help monitor the signs of family violence and report their suspicions so that aid can be provided to the family. victim as soon as possible. The simple act of reporting can help save someone’s life or prevent further suffering. “
For help with issues related to family violence, here are hotlines run by MSF and its community partners:
GETTING HELP
• National hotline for assistance: 1800-202-6868
VIOLENCE OR ABUSE
• Big Love Child Protection Specialist Center: 6445-0400
• HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Center: 6819-9170
• PAVE Integrated services for individual and family protection: 6555-0390
• StART project: 6476-1482
• Trans Safe Center: 6449-9088
Marital and parental issues
• Community Psychology Hub online advice platform: CPHOnlineCounselling.sg
ADVICE
• Touchline (advice): 1800-377-2252
• Corner Care Advice Center: 1800-353-5800
HIGHER
• Agency for the integrated care hotline: 1800-650-6060
[ad_2]
