Number of Reports Made in Relation to Abuse and Harassment towards Social Worker Investigated and Convicted

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in each of the last five years (a) how many reports have been made in relation to abuse and harassment directed towards social workers; (b) how many of such reports are referred to external law enforcement agencies for further investigations; and (c) how many of such reports have resulted in convictions in Court.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) takes a firm stance against abuse and does not condone egregious behaviour towards social workers.

In their frontline work, social workers do come across clients who exhibit abusive behaviour. Social service agencies (SSAs) are required to have clear policies and protocols on staff safety. Each year, SSAs make about five reports of abusive behaviour to the Police. MSF does not track the investigation outcomes.