Cases of Abuse Committed against Persons with Special Needs
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms He Ting Ru’s inquiry regarding statistics on abuse against persons with special needs and measures to identify such abuse, particularly among low-functioning individuals. Minister K Shanmugam explained that the Police do not track these specific figures but noted that the Penal Code provides enhanced penalties of up to double the maximum for offences against vulnerable persons. He highlighted specific legal protections, such as Section 376F of the Penal Code and the Vulnerable Adults Act, which safeguard individuals with mental disabilities. To enhance detection, frontline professionals in schools, healthcare, and social services are trained to identify signs of neglect or abuse. Finally, the public is encouraged to report suspected cases through the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline to facilitate early intervention.
Transcript
61 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many cases of abuse committed against persons with special needs have been reported and investigated over each of the last five years; and (b) whether the Ministry is looking into enhancing measures to identify abuse committed against persons with special needs, in particular, those who are low-functioning.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Police Force does not track the number of abuse cases committed specifically against persons with special needs.
Our criminal laws already provide enhanced protection for vulnerable persons against physical and sexual harm. For vulnerable persons, who can include individuals with special needs or any other physical or mental infirmity, disability or incapacity, enhanced penalties of up to two times the maximum prescribed penalty for the offence may apply under section 74A of the Penal Code. We also have specific offences to protect individuals with mental disabilities. For example, section 376F of the Penal Code makes it an offence to procure sexual activity with a person with mental disability. They complement other laws that protect vulnerable individuals, such as the Children and Young Persons Act, Women's Charter, Vulnerable Adults Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
The Government also has a range of upstream measures to detect cases of abuse. For example, frontline professionals, such as those in schools, healthcare institutions and social service agencies are trained to identify and detect abuse or neglect. Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspected abuse or neglect via the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.