DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - POLICE PROCEDURE

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many spouses and other family members were taken to the police station for a "cooling-off period" after incidents of domestic violence from 1992 to 1994; (b) if he is able to assess the success of this measure in stopping further domestic violence and (c) if he will explain the provisions under which the above measure is carried out.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: When a Police officer responds to a call in a family violence situation, and the dispute is in progress when he arrives, the officer would try to defuse and cool the situation on the spot to stop any breach of peace. If this is unsuccessful, the parties concerned will be brought to the Police Station or NPP for statements to be taken and for investigation. This procedure has the effect of further helping to cool the situation.

In a case where a seizable offence has been committed, the Police will prosecute the offender if there is sufficient evidence. In non-seizable cases, the Police, depending on the situation, would issue a warning to the perpetrator. The Police is empowered to do this under section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 68.

Statistics on the number of occasions when persons are brought to the Police Station or NPP in a domestic violence situation are not readily available.