‘Low-moderate’ child abuse cases up in Singapore amid greater awareness on domestic violence
'Low-moderate' child abuse cases up amid greater awareness about domestic violence CNA
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Singapore Takes Action Against Domestic Violence
The Social and Family Development Ministry in Singapore is currently working on new legislation to address domestic violence and expand protection for individuals in close non-familial relationships. The ministry’s inaugural report has revealed an increase in cases of child and spousal abuse since 2021. This rise in reported cases can be attributed, in part, to improved awareness and training programs aimed at identifying early signs of abuse. However, there has been a slight decrease in higher-risk cases since 2021.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The efforts of the Singaporean government to combat domestic violence align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – By addressing domestic violence, Singapore is taking steps towards achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The new laws and extended protections aim to reduce inequalities by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their relationship status, are safeguarded from abuse.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthening laws against domestic violence contributes to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions within Singapore.
Key Findings from the Inaugural Report
- The number of ‘low-moderate risk’ child abuse cases has increased since 2021, indicating a greater awareness and improved ability to identify early signs of abuse.
- Higher-risk cases of child and spousal abuse have seen a slight decrease since 2021, suggesting that preventive measures and interventions may be having a positive impact.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions a rise in child and spousal abuse cases since 2021, indicating the need to address violence against women and girls (Target 5.2). It also highlights the increase in awareness and training to identify early signs of abuse, which can be seen as progress towards reducing violence and related death rates (Target 16.1). Additionally, the extension of protection for persons in close non-familial relationships reflects efforts to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities (Target 10.2).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Rise in child and spousal abuse cases since 2021 |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | Extension of protection for persons in close non-familial relationships |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Increase in awareness and training to identify early signs of abuse |
Source: channelnewsasia.com
