Question:
Mr Christopher de Souza: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs how are trafficked victims being assisted while waiting for their cases to be heard and what can be done to better support their rehabilitation.
Answer:
1. While waiting for their cases to be heard, victims are provided with shelter, food and counselling. Additional victim care support is also available, depending on the victim’s individual circumstances.
2. An example of additional support is home leave, where agencies make arrangements, including buying air tickets, for victims to return home, where they may get more emotional support, while awaiting trial proceedings. This is on the understanding that they will return for the trial.
3. Another example is the Temporary Job Scheme, under which the Government assists victims who are willing and able to work. Such temporary employment facilitates the victims’ rehabilitation while they remain in Singapore to assist with investigation and prosecution.
4. The Government partners NGOs, such as HAGAR and the Good Shepherd Centre, to support the victims.
