VIOLENCE BY ADULTS ON YOUNG CHILDREN

VIOLENCE BY ADULTS ON YOUNG CHILDREN

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(Preventive steps): **

26.

Mr Sin Boon Ann asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports whether the incidence of violence by adults on young children has risen in the past five years and, if so, whether the Ministry is taking any active steps to stop the trend.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The number of children abused averaged 93 cases each year during the period of 2004 to 2008. There is no clear trend during this period. The figures range from 101 in 2005, to 58 in 2006, to 114 in 2008.

Every single child that is abused is one child too many.

We have a comprehensive framework that focuses on prevention, early detection and effective treatment of children who may be abused. Social workers, healthcare professionals, police officers, educators and those in regular contact with children are trained to detect signs of abuse and to refer potential cases for thorough investigation.

Public education is also necessary. For example, my Ministry commissioned a school assembly programme to raise awareness on family violence amongst primary school students. Social workers from the Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence (PAVe) engaged the students by providing more information on family violence and available help channels.

We also focus on early intervention strategies. MCYS administers the Integrated Healthy Start Programme, which targets "high risk" children up to six years from dysfunctional families. This programme provides for early detection and intervention in reducing family stressors and potential family problems.

Parents who face challenges in parenting should seek help from the nearest Family Service Centre (FSC). The social workers and other professionals in the FSC will be able to help them overcome their difficulties in managing their children.

The community also plays an important role. I encourage anyone who suspects that a child has been abused to call the Child Protection Service helpline at 1800 258 6378 or lodge a police report. We must all do our part to protect our children.

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