Family violence-related police reports increased by 22 per cent since the beginning of the "circuit breaker" period in April, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed on May 14.

A total of 476 police reports were filed over 30 days from April 7 to May 6.

These reports were filed for offences associated with family violence, such as hurt, criminal force and assault, criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement.

SPF said it takes a serious view of such cases.

It will continue to take action against those who abuse their family members and more steps will also be taken to increase support for victims of family violence, SPF said.

The police currently refers victims of family violence to the nearest Family Service Centre or the Family Violence Specialist Centre if they ask for social assistance.

Victims who require shelter

Victims who request shelter are referred to one.

There are four crisis shelters funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

The police will also help such victims even if no requests for assistance or shelter are made.

"Specifically, we will assess the victims’ risks of encountering further family violence, and proactively refer those assessed to be at higher risk to social services, to ensure that they receive the help they need," SPF said.

The police will consider a number of factors, including the profiles of their offenders and the nature of violence inflicted, when making these assessments.

SPF said it will watch over the victims closely, such as contacting the victims to check on them and find out if they need further assistance within the first week of lodging the police report.

Referral scheme

The police will also support family violence offenders via the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme, which started as a pilot at the Bedok Police Division in 2019.

The police refer offenders to social workers under the scheme.

The social workers will then assess whether their underlying issues need to be addressed.

This can be done through means such as counselling, mental health and financial assistance, and refer the offenders to suitable agencies for help.

All Police Land Divisions are now able to refer offenders whom they are investigating for family violence.

"This will ensure that offenders who need social assistance are referred earlier to avenues for help," SPF added.

Top photo via Unsplash