Child Abuse Cases Investigated by Child Protective Service and Upstream Measures Required

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in 2021, how many cases of child abuse have been investigated by the Child Protective Service, broken down by quarterly figures; (b) whether there is a similar number of child abuse cases being investigated in the first quarter of 2022; and (c) what can be done upstream to better prevent such cases from happening.

The Child Protective Service (CPS) investigated around 400 to 650 cases each quarter in 2021. For the first quarter of 2022, the number of cases was in the lower end of the range, at 420 cases.

MSF adopts two key strategies to detect child abuse and intervene upstream.

First, it is strengthening efforts to detect and encourage early reporting of suspected child abuse. Frontline professionals in preschools, schools, healthcare institutions and social service agencies (SSAs) are trained to identify signs of child abuse and take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. It also educates the public, through the Break the Silence campaign that aims to increase awareness of and encourage members of the public to report suspected violence or neglect. As part of the campaign, we encourage the use of the hand "Signal for Help", so that survivors can discreetly indicate that they need help. MSF also set up the 24-hour National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH). By end 2022, we will launch a web reporting channel and mobile application for NAVH to further enhance ease of reporting.

Second, MSF prevents and mitigates child abuse in at-risk families through early intervention. The Family Service Centres (FSCs) work with families on their social and emotional needs and coordinate support from other agencies, such as childcare services or financial assistance. Through counselling, parents learn child-management strategies and skills to manage their stressors. Parenting Support Providers (PSPs) also deliver evidence-based parenting programmes and individual consultation sessions to parents of children with behavioural difficulties to better support them. In addition, the Alliance for Action to Strengthen Marriages and Family Relationships (AFAM) will be developing materials to promote respectful relationships to strengthen the bond among couples and to prevent and guard against family violence.

Countering child abuse is everyone's responsibility. With greater awareness and easier ways of reporting violence, we urge anyone who suspects or witnesses child abuse to call NAVH at 1800-777-0000.