Tackling Family Violence
Family violence cannot be tolerated. No one should experience violence, especially at the hands of a person whom they trust.
We need to collectively and proactively take steps to break the cycle of family violence in Singapore.
About the Taskforce
The multi-stakeholder Taskforce was set up in February 2020 to develop a comprehensive understanding of the family violence landscape in Singapore, identify areas for improvement, and co-create recommendations to tackle the issue.
It comprises 21 members from social service agencies, non-Governmental organisations, the Courts, hospitals, and Government agencies. The Taskforce is co-chaired by Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education, and Assoc. Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development.
From February 2020, the Taskforce engaged a range of stakeholders who work directly with family violence survivors and perpetrators, to further understand their perspectives and seek their views on how best to tackle family violence.
Key Recommendations to Break Cycles of Violence
On 23 September 2021, the Taskforce released its report with 16 recommendations.
The Taskforce has developed comprehensive recommendations aimed at improving immediate support for survivors, enhancing protection for them, preventing violence from recurring, and raising awareness of early warning signs.
The recommendations are organised along four key thrusts:
1. Increasing awareness of family violence, strengthening societal attitudes against violence and enhancing preventive efforts for persons at risk
2. Making it easier for survivors and the community to seek and receive immediate help
3. Strengthening the protection and support provided to survivors
4. Increasing the accountability of perpetrators and strengthen their rehabilitation.
Everyone has the right to feel safe. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, do not ignore the situation. There are trained professionals who care and can help. To report a case of violence or abuse:
• Call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) at 1800-777-0000; or
• Make an online report via the NAVH Reporting Form.
If there is imminent danger to you or the victim's life and safety, call the Police at 999 or SMS 71999 for immediate assistance.
Resources
For more information, please see:
• Press Release: Taskforce Releases 16 Recommendation to Break Cycles of Violence, 23 September 2021
• Report of the Taskforce on Family Violence (PDF, 5MB)
