The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and social service agencies have seen an increase in enquiries and referrals related to domestic violence and conflicts since the start of the Circuit Breaker period.

An MSF spokesperson said that Family Violence Specialist Centres and PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection had seen about 37 per cent more enquiries in the two weeks since Apr. 6.

MSF Adult and Child Protective Services saw a 14 per cent increase in enquiries.

Both figures were derived from comparing enquiries two weeks after the circuit breaker started with the two weeks prior to measures kicking in.

The circuit breaker measures were implemented on Apr. 7. They will be in force until Jun.1.

These enquiries touched on issues relating to tension within the family, conflicts, and disputes. They might not necessarily involve an actual incidence of violence.

One reason for the rise of enquiries could be heightened vigilance due to increased awareness of the risk of domestic violence during the Covid-19 period, said the spokesperson.

"We are glad that more are coming forward to seek and receive help and we encourage them to do so early. It is important to reduce tensions at the early stages, so that they do not escalate into violence."

Help still available

MSF's protective services have continued to operate during the circuit breaker as an essential service.

Assessments of new cases and check-ins have been conducted by telephone and video calls.

MSF officers and community social workers still make home visits in the event of a critical or urgent case, while still observing safe distancing measures, said MSF's spokesperson.

Additionally, crisis shelters continue to provide temporary accommodation to family violence survivors who need refuge urgently and personal protection orders can still be applied for at the Family Justice Courts or via a video-link arranged by Family Violence Special Centres.

"MSF is keeping a close watch over a potential rise in domestic violence cases," said the spokesperson.

Task force on family violence

These latest figures were released by MSF after a 21-member task force on family violence convened for the first time on Apr. 23 via videoconferencing.

The task force was initially announced in February and consists of members from Government agencies, the courts and community partners including hospitals, crisis shelters, and family violence specialist centres.

Chaired by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, the 21 members met to discuss ways to better combat family violence in Singapore.

According to MSF, this included measures such as strengthening support for spouses facing abuse and enhancing collaboration amongst stakeholders.

Sun: Aware individuals and families may experience more stress during these times

Sun, who is the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, indicated that the taskforce would consult with social service agencies and non-governmental organisations to "update and deepen our understanding of the landscape".

"We are aware that individuals and families may experience more stress during these times, due to the extended Covid-19 circuit breaker measures," said Sun on Facebook.

In addition, the task force will be examining how to improve support and empowerment for victims whose cases go through the criminal justice system, an initiative that will involve the Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"We are grateful that many of MSF’s long-standing partners have come forward to contribute their expertise through the task force," said Faishal.

He later called the meeting a robust discussion on Facebook.

"We can and will continue to collectively help families manage stress, so that family conflicts do not escalate into violence.

We look forward to the work that the taskforce will be doing to better support individuals and family experiencing violence."

The task force intends to report its recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Social and Family Development within a year.

Helplines

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help can be sought at any of these helplines:

The National CARE hotline: 1800 202 6868

PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection: 6555 0390

Trans Safe Centre: 6449 9088

Project StART: 6476 1482

Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre: 6445 0400

HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre: 6819 9170

ComCare hotline: 1800 222 0000

Victims of violence can also call the Police at 999 or send an SMS to 71999.

Top photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels