More new cases of spousal, elder abuse in 2024 amid greater awareness of domestic violence – Yahoo News Singapore

Report on Domestic Abuse Trends in Singapore 2024: Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Abuse Cases in 2024

In 2024, Singapore witnessed an increase in reported cases of spousal and elder abuse, continuing a rising trend observed since 2021. This escalation is attributed to heightened awareness and improved support systems. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) released the Domestic Violence Trends Report on December 10, 2024, highlighting these developments.

Statistical Highlights

1. Spousal abuse cases increased by 6%, from 2,008 in 2023 to 2,136 in 2024.
2. Elder abuse cases rose from 297 in 2023 to 359 in 2024, primarily managed by community agencies due to low to moderate safety risks.
3. Child abuse cases increased by approximately 14% in 2024.
4. Vulnerable adult abuse cases involving individuals aged 18 to 64 rose slightly from 23 to 32 cases, with females outnumbering males.
5. Cases of self-neglect among vulnerable adults decreased from 28 in 2023 to 14 in 2024.

Management and Referral Trends

• A significant proportion of spousal abuse cases were self-referred to family service centres, indicating increased willingness to seek help.
• Referrals from police and the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team have increased since the team’s launch in 2023.
• Protective Service manages high-risk cases involving vulnerable elderly with severe injuries.
• Community, elder care, and healthcare agencies collaborate to address root causes of abuse, contributing to a slight decline in vulnerable elderly abuse cases.

Types and Causes of Abuse

• Neglect remains the most common primary abuse type, including insufficient provision of food, medical care, and clothing.
• Physical abuse is the most prevalent form among vulnerable adults aged 18 to 64.
• Elder abuse often involves trusted family members or caregivers, with caregiving stress contributing to neglect and health deterioration.
• Self-neglect cases have declined, potentially due to improved community support services.

Challenges in Seeking Help

• Men are less likely to seek help due to stigma and societal expectations, despite experiencing abuse.
• Spouses may hesitate to seek assistance due to financial dependence, emotional bonds, fear of family disruption, or concerns over immigration status.
• Public education and campaigns have helped reduce stigma and increase recognition of psychological and emotional abuse.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The increase in awareness and support for abuse victims contributes to improved physical and mental health outcomes. Community interventions and protective services help mitigate health risks associated with abuse and neglect.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Efforts to support victims, particularly women who constitute approximately 75% of personal protection order applicants, promote gender equality by addressing domestic violence and empowering survivors to seek help.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Targeted support for vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals and foreign spouses, helps reduce social inequalities by providing access to protection and resources regardless of age, gender, or immigration status.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Enhanced referral systems involving police and emergency response teams strengthen institutional responses to domestic violence, fostering safer communities and access to justice for victims.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, healthcare providers, and crisis shelters exemplifies effective partnerships aimed at preventing abuse and supporting victims.

Conclusion

The upward trend in reported domestic abuse cases in Singapore underscores the critical need for sustained awareness, support services, and multi-sectoral collaboration. These efforts align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on health, gender equality, reduced inequalities, justice, and partnerships. Continued commitment to these goals will be essential in addressing the root causes of abuse and enhancing the well-being and safety of all individuals in society.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses abuse cases affecting physical and mental health, including spousal, elder, and child abuse.
   • Focus on preventing harm, improving health outcomes, and providing support services.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Highlights the prevalence of abuse against women, especially in spousal abuse cases where 75% of protection order applicants are females.
   • Addresses stigma and societal expectations affecting men and women differently.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Focus on vulnerable groups such as elderly, vulnerable adults, and foreign spouses facing abuse and neglect.
   • Efforts to provide protection and support to marginalized populations.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Emphasizes protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
   • Mentions the role of police, Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team, and family service centres in managing abuse cases.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being (related to mental and physical health impacts of abuse).
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services (implied in addressing abuse and support).
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices and ensure protection from abuse.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, or other status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of reported abuse cases
   • New spousal abuse cases (2,008 in 2023 to 2,136 in 2024).
   • New elder abuse cases (297 in 2023 to 359 in 2024).
   • Child abuse cases increased by about 14% in 2024.
   • Vulnerable elderly abuse cases incidence rate (less than one per 1,000 in 2024).
   • New abuse cases involving vulnerable adults aged 18 to 64 (23 in 2023 to 32 in 2024).
2. Referral and support service metrics
   • Proportion of self-referrals to family service centres.
   • Referrals from police and Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team.
   • Number of personal protection order applicants by sex.
3. Types of abuse and their prevalence
   • Incidence of neglect, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual abuse, and self-neglect cases.
   • Reduction in self-neglect cases (28 in 2023 to 14 in 2024) indicating improved community support.
4. Health outcomes related to abuse
   • Reports of severe physical injuries (fractures, burns, head injuries) in vulnerable elderly.
   • Impact on physical and mental well-being due to neglect.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: sg.news.yahoo.com