News
Volunteer tutor, 16, allegedly grabbed in the neck & assaulted by student, 7, & her family
The student also allegedly accused the tutor of slapping her.
November 09, 2024, 12:52 PM
Warning: This article contains descriptions of violence. Audience discretion is advised.
A 16-year-old female volunteer tutor was trying to diffuse a situation involving a group of male students on Oct. 30 night when one female student, 7, "suddenly started crying".
The female student subsequently "accused the [teen] of slapping her", reported Shin Min Daily News.
When the teen approached the female student to check on her injuries, she suddenly had her hair pulled by the student.
The female student also allegedly threw a whiteboard eraser and shoes at the teen.
This later escalated into an altercation allegedly involving the girl's family, and the teen visited a hospital for her injuries.
Volunteering at non-profit organisation
Speaking to Shin Min, the teen shared that she was volunteering at Beyond Social Services, a non-profit organisation that helps underprivileged individuals and families, at the time of the incident.
As part of this, she helped primary school students with their schoolwork every week in Ang Mo Kio.
According to her, the sessions were held at a venue provided by a residents' network, which typically run between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Teen's account of what happened
The teen told Shin Min that around 20 primary school students turned up for the session on Oct. 30, which began at around 8pm.
During the session, around 10 male students decided to pull a prank on a male programme manager by standing on both sides of a door and blocking him from entering the venue.
Upon noticing their actions, the teen tried to stop the boys when the seven-year-old female student "suddenly began crying" and "throwing accusations at her".
The 16-year-old shared that she "did not see the female student at all", as "most of the kids blocking the door were boys".
Allegedly assaulted by female student
Besides allegedly throwing various objects at her, the female student apparently used an electric wire to whip the 16-year-old's back as well, reported Shin Min.
"At that time, I tried to keep a distance from her. Other volunteers told me to go home first, and the programme manager also came to check on the situation after hearing noise from outside," the teen recounted.
However, as the manager tried to intervene by holding the female student's hand, the female student began "accusing him of injuring her by holding her hand too tight".
"I was very angry then and the female student still tried to assault me afterwards," the teen said.
According to Shin Min, a fight subsequently broke out, where the two parties pulled each other's hair.
The male programme manager was also apparently "assaulted by other students" and suffered a black eye.
Also 'assaulted by female student's family'
The teen told Shin Min that while she was entangled in the physical altercation with the female student, some parents were getting ready to pick up their children.
Later on, a group of individuals, believed to be the female student's mother and relatives, arrived at the venue and confronted the teen.
"The female student's mother and relatives yelled at me loudly and questioned me. One of them even grabbed my neck and pushed me into the classroom," said the teen.
Shin Min reported that it understands the programme manager was also punched in the eye after trying to intervene in the dispute.
Teen & programme manager injured
The teen shared with tears in her eyes that she was so terrified by the situation that she did not know how to react, reported Shin Min.
Later on, she saw the programme manager had a bruise on his right eye.
The two of them subsequently visited a hospital for their injuries, and the teen only "returned home at 6am the next day".
According to the photos she provided, the manager sustained injuries on his forehead and eyes.
The teen's right cheek was also seen twitching from time to time, reported Shin Min.
Teen left Beyond Social Services
The teen's aunt told Shin Min that the incident had "deeply scarred her niece".
The aunt also believed the teen, who volunteered because she wanted to help students in need during her school holiday, was "unfairly treated".
"She volunteered out of goodwill but was wrongfully accused and assaulted. At the time, several adults besieged her, and she was terrified," the aunt added.
The aunt also revealed that the teen had since stopped volunteering at Beyond Social Services.
The programme manager also told Shin Min that he "would be resting at home" and "would not be returning to the programme for the time being".
However, he declined to comment on what happened on the day of the incident.
Police report lodged
According to the teen, someone had alerted the police regarding the incident, reported Shin Min.
In response, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that a police report had been lodged, and investigations are underway.
Beyond Social Services statement
In response to Mothership's queries, a Beyond Social Services spokesperson said the organisation regretted that "this unfortunate incident" had occurred.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected," read the statement.
According to the spokesperson, since the incident, Beyond Social Services "has been in close contact with all who were present during the learning programme", including the teenage girl, and "their families".
"We have offered access to counselling and additional resources to ensure that everyone has a safe space for open communication and support," said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also stated that the police are currently investigating the incident.
"Our priority remains the well-being of everyone impacted, and we will continue to offer support to them and their families throughout this time," added the spokesperson.
Top images via Shin Min Daily News
