DIVORCES

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(Measures to reduce): **

35.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) what measures are being taken to reduce the divorce rates, especially of those aged 20 to 24; and (b) whether there is a correlation between earlier marriages and earlier divorces.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Divorce trends

The number of divorces in Singapore has been increasing over the years. In 2006, there were 1.96 divorces for every 1,000 residents, an increase of 0.01 from 1.95 in 2005. The corresponding figure for Japan in 2005 was 2.1. That for the US was 3.6, while Hong Kong was 2.1**.

Data from the Department of Statistics showed that younger married persons aged 20-24 registered the highest divorce rate(#). This suggests a positive correlation between earlier marriages and earlier divorces, since those who divorced young would have married young.

Column: 1441

Of all divorcees under 25 years of age in 2006, there were 127 Women's Charter divorcees, compared to 384 divorcees under AMLA. The number of divorcees under 25 years of age for both Women's Charter and AMLA has stabilised since 2004.

Strengthening marriages

Recognising the need to strengthen marriages, my Ministry works with key stakeholders such as the National Family Council, family service providers and educators as well as religious groups to support couples at different stages of their married life. For example, to promote and strengthen the institution of marriage, the National Family Council has proposed to set up Marriage Central. This one-stop access point will provide information on marriage preparation and enrichment programmes, and counselling services. Deputy Registrars of Marriages and most religious organisations encourage couples to attend marriage preparation programmes. Soon-to-wed couples can also access the on-line marriage preparation programme on the popular wedding portal, www.singaporebrides.com. Married couples are encouraged to attend marriage enrichment programmes.

Under the Women's Charter, underaged applicants applying for a Special Marriage Licence(^) are interviewed and must attend counselling sessions with their parents. Those aged above 18 but below 21 years must obtain their parents' or legal guardian's consent. Currently, the Registry of Marriages distributes brochures containing information on marriage preparation and enrichment courses to all couples, including those aged between 18 and 21 years.

13 mosques and 2 community centres offer marriage preparation courses for Muslim couples to impart necessary life-skills in dealing with marital responsibilities. In addition, there are specially-designed marriage preparation courses for minor Muslim couples where at least one partner is aged below 21. To step up capacity and capability to help couples whose marriages are at risk, religious teachers and vice-kadhis, or vice-solemnisers, have been specially trained to provide marriage counselling and mentoring services. The Syariah Court also has in place mediation and marriage counselling programmes to help save marriages.

Individual responsibility and many helping hands

The Government alone cannot mandate strong marriages nor prevent divorces if individuals themselves are not committed to stay married. Strong marriages, however, need support from the people, private and public sectors, or an integrated 3P approach. For example, employers can play their part by creating a pro-family workplace environment to help couples and families manage their work and home responsibilities. Relatives and friends, religious groups and voluntary welfare organisations could counsel and support couples facing marital difficulties. And couples should put in effort to always communicate and grow their relationship. If they face difficulties in their relationship, they should seek help early. With the 3P approach, I am confident that we can build strong marriages in Singapore.

** Statistics as at 2005, which are the latest available figures we can find.

This is defined as the number of divorces and annulments granted within a specific age group during this year, out of every thousand married residents in the same age group.

^ Such a licence is needed for persons aged 18 or below.