DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider documenting cases of domestic violence that are presented to Government and restructured hospitals and then referring them to the relevant voluntary organisations for counselling and help.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Children who are brought to Government and restructured hospitals with a history of abuse or who are suspected to be victims of abuse are admitted into hospital for clinical examination and evaluation. If the clinical findings indicate child abuse, the child is referred by the doctor to the hospital's Medical Social Worker (MSW) for assessment. All child abuse cases are referred to the Ministry of Community Development (MCD) for further investigation and subsequent management. A police report is also made.

Women who are victims of abuse and seen at Government and restructured hospitals are also referred by the doctors to the hospital's MSW. The MSW assesses each case and determines the type of assistance required. Women who require short-term support will be counselled by the MSW to help them overcome their crisis. Those who need temporary shelter will be referred to homes and other resources available under the MCD and voluntary organisations. Women are also advised to make a police report.

Women abuse cases who have been identified as requiring long-term therapy are referred by the MSW to the agencies (see below) which provide more specialised and intensive counselling.