Domestic violence continues to affect families across Singapore, with evolving trends highlighting both growing public awareness and the need for sustained legal and community intervention.
The 2024 Domestic Violence Trends Report, released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), offers a data-driven look into abuse cases involving children, spouses, the elderly, and other vulnerable adults.
At Gloria James-Civetta & Co (GJC Law), we understand the impact domestic abuse has on families and provide survivors with the legal support they need to seek protection and move forward.
Rising Tier 1 Cases Reflect Growing Awareness
The report shows an upward trend in Tier 1 abuse cases — those involving lower to moderate risk and managed by community agencies. This includes spousal abuse, elder abuse, and child abuse. The increase is widely attributed to improved public education campaigns, training for frontline professionals, and accessible reporting mechanisms such as the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH).
At GJC Law, we view this trend as encouraging — it shows that survivors are coming forward earlier, allowing for interventions before harm escalates.
Decrease in High-Risk Tier 2 Cases
Conversely, Tier 2 cases (high-risk cases requiring statutory intervention) have slightly declined. For example:
- Child abuse Tier 2 cases dropped from 2,141 in 2021 to 2,011 in 2023.
- Elderly vulnerable adult abuse Tier 2 cases fell from 84 in 2021 to 42 in 2023.
- Self-neglect cases among vulnerable adults declined from 48 in 2022 to 28 in 2023.
These figures suggest that early detection and community intervention may be preventing more severe outcomes.
Spousal Abuse: A Notable Increase in Reports
The number of spousal abuse cases reported to community agencies increased steadily from 1,632 in 2021 to 2,008 in 2023. This trend coincides with legislative changes and efforts to reduce the stigma around domestic violence, allowing more survivors to seek help. It’s important to note that Tier 2 classification does not yet apply to spousal abuse, but this may change with amendments to the Women’s Charter enabling stronger government intervention in high-risk cases.
GJC Law has seen this shift firsthand, with more clients seeking Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) and other legal remedies under the Women’s Charter.
Child Abuse: The Most Common Forms and Age Groups
In child abuse cases:
- Children aged 7–12 were the most represented in Tier 1 abuse cases.
- Children aged 0–6 formed the largest group in Tier 2 cases, with physical abuse being the most commonly reported.
- Physical abuse is more common among male children, while sexual abuse affects more females, particularly in Tier 2 cases.
Our legal team is well-versed in child protection matters, including custody disputes where allegations of abuse arise. We assist clients in navigating both civil protection and family court processes.
Read more: When Abuser Violates the PPO
Legal Recourse and Support
Survivors of domestic violence in Singapore have several legal options:
- Personal Protection Orders (PPO)
- Expedited Orders (EO) and Domestic Exclusion Orders (DEO)
- Police reports and criminal proceedings
- Child protection under the Children and Young Persons Act
- Vulnerable Adults Act protection for those aged 18+ who are unable to protect themselves
Our family lawyers can advise you on the appropriate legal actions, and where necessary, help coordinate with social workers and community agencies.
Legal Help from GJC Law
At GJC Law, we provide confidential, compassionate, and effective legal support for anyone experiencing family violence. Whether you’re seeking a protection order, advice on child custody in the context of abuse, or help exiting an abusive marriage, we are
