ROLE AND FUNCTION OF WOMEN'S WELFARE SERVICE UNIT.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Community Development what is the role and function of the Women's Welfare Service Unit and what has it done so far?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: The Women's Welfare Unit was set up as a Unit under the Family and Social Support Branch of the Ministry on 1st April 1990.

The Unit functions as a direct point of contact for women in distress or in need of assistance. They can either call at the Unit in person or use the Unit's toll-free hotline. Officers of the Unit discuss with the women their problems and help them to decide on appropriate solutions. Where necessary, they are referred to other government or welfare agencies for appropriate assistance.

Between April 1990 and September 1993, more than 3,500 women called at the Unit seeking assistance for domestic and marital problems such as divorce and separation, assault, conflict with in-laws and spouse leaving marital home. In addition, for this year alone, about 2,000 calls were received from women on the Unit's hotline. They sought information and advice on personal and family problems.

The Unit has also compiled and published a Directory of Services for Women. The Directory has been circulated to grassroots organisations and community and voluntary welfare organisations which come into contact with women who have problems or who are in need of a social service. Information pamphlets on socially relevant issues affecting women such as Violence at Home, Assistance for Single Parents and Services for Unwed Mothers have also been produced and distributed by the Unit.