Deployment of Tagging Technology to Alert Victims of High-risk or Violent Ex-offenders in Close Proximity

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether technology such as tagging or otherwise can be adopted to alert victims of high-risk or violent ex-offenders when such offenders come within a stipulated radius or are in close proximity to them.

Sir, ex-offenders who have completed their sentence are not subjected to electronic monitoring. It is not appropriate to do so when they have not committed any further crime.

Instead, to reduce their risk of committing violent acts again after release, we try to address the underlying issues. While incarcerated, offenders who are at risk of violent re-offending are enrolled in psychology-based correctional programmes. They learn to address negative thinking patterns that lead them to violence, better regulate their emotions and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. The Singapore Prison Service also works with the families and community partners to support ex-offenders after their release to better prevent re-offending.

Members of the public who are in any danger of harm are advised to call "999" for assistance. The National Anti-Violence Helpline, "1800 777 0000", which is manned by trained social workers, is also available 24/7 for members of the public to seek help or report on violence.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his response. I asked the Parliamentary Question (PQ) and my intention is actually to seek clarification on a process whereby we can prevent further stigmatisation; and at the same time, promote rehabilitation and reconciliation between the ex-offender and the family.

Back in December 2021, there was a case of domestic violence involving someone, the perpetrator who had breached bail conditions. Sir, I was wondering whether there can be more emphasis on rehabilitation and reconciliation between family members which, I think, would be a far more permanent and longer-term solution, which would be beneficial to both parties and the children as well. In this regard, what would the Ministry be conducting to do, to help in the reconciliation process of our ex-offenders?

By the way, I do not like the word "ex-offenders". I think we should call them "overcomers" – they would overcome the challenge of their checkered past.

Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. We agree with his suggestion about how we should focus on reconciliation, and that is what we hope to do for every ex-offender because that will also make their rehabilitation and reintegration process better.

So, essentially, what we do is that for those with known family violence, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) will refer these cases to and work with MSF and also with the relevant social service agencies before the person is being released from prison. In some cases, we also have case conferences where we discuss deeper into the situation and see how we can help them better.

We have social service professionals, for example, those from the family violence specialist centre, who would also engage the families, not only from the reconciliation perspective, but also how to provide safety plan, in case there is re-offending. At the same time, we also engage the perpetrators to connect with family, and also to encourage him or her to better understand what are the avenues, how they can overcome such behaviour. This, in itself, we want them to respectfully, resolve their conflict and to reduce the risk of family violence.

If you have followed the developments that we have been doing in family violence, we have formed a Taskforce on Family Violence where the Minister of State Sun Xueling and I co-chaired, and we have released a set of 16 recommendations in September 2021. I am happy to share the Government has accepted, in principle, our recommendations. We hope to progressively implement this over the next few years.

Essentially, what we hope to do, is to increase awareness of and strengthen societal attitudes against family violence, and enhance preventive efforts for persons at risk. And, also, we want to develop more avenues to make it easier for survivors and the community to report family violence and get immediate help. We are also working to strengthen protection and support for survivors to reduce their risk of being harmed again. And, I think, last but not least, we will increase the accountability of perpetrators and strengthen their rehabilitation to reduce their chances of re-offending.

So, we will continue to work with community partners to tackle family violence. In fact, everyone can play a part in breaking the cycles of abuse and neglect.