Singapore domestic violence helpline receives 16,525 reports in a year

Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development reported a 50% increase in domestic violence helpline reports last year, with the National Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) receiving 16,525 calls. This marked a significant rise from the previous year's 11,068 reports. The Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team handled 1,439 incidents, a figure that doubled compared to the prior year.

The surge in reports can be attributed to the police's new requirement to inform the helpline when dealing with domestic violence cases, particularly those involving children or vulnerable adults. About 82% of the 2024 reports necessitated follow-ups, although some cases were recurring, and others did not demand formal intervention after assessment.

The public's heightened awareness of domestic violence and the methods to seek assistance also contributed to the increase in reports. Child abuse constituted 2,476 cases, followed by spousal abuse with 1,920 incidents, and abuse against the elderly with 290 cases. High-risk cases made up 2,021 reports, with 1,917 of them involving child abuse.

Authorities are concerned that approximately 18% of high-risk child abuse cases are being revisited by the government's protection services within three years of their initial closure. Preliminary data from the first half of 2025 indicated a slight uptick in high-risk domestic violence cases, while low- to medium-risk cases slightly declined. Specific figures for the current year will be unveiled in the 2027 domestic violence trends report.