Efforts to Address Attitudes of Students and Educators towards Sexual Objectification, Harassment and Abuse of Women
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the efforts by the Ministry of Education to address attitudes towards sexual objectification, harassment, and abuse of women following voyeurism cases at institutes of higher learning. Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung explained that institutions have enhanced education via student briefings, online modules, and awareness campaigns focusing on mutual respect and defining harm. To ensure accountability, disciplinary frameworks have been strengthened to impose tougher penalties for sexual misconduct, which can include the expulsion of offenders where warranted. Physical security on campuses has also been improved through expanded CCTV camera coverage and the installation of full-height partitions in restrooms. Furthermore, victim support was bolstered by training first responders, establishing 24-hour helplines, creating dedicated victim care units, and enhancing available counselling services.
Transcript
34 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Education what new efforts is the Ministry launching to address attitudes of students and educators towards the sexual objectification, harassment and abuse of women in light of serious concerns over voyeurism cases at the institutes of higher learning.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: MOE and the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) are strongly against all forms of sexual misconduct, including voyeurism.
Over the past year, the IHLs have reviewed and stepped up their efforts to tackle the issue of sexual misconduct holistically. They have implemented enhancements in four key areas.
First, they have enhanced their education efforts for students and staff, emphasising what constitutes harm and violation, and the importance of respect for each other. These include briefings for students during orientation, online modules, face-to-face workshops, and regular outreach and awareness-building campaigns.
Second, they have strengthened their disciplinary frameworks to impose tougher penalties for sexual misconduct, including expulsion where warranted.
Third, they have enhanced campus infrastructure, including by expanding CCTV camera coverage and installing full-height partitions in restrooms.
Fourth, they have strengthened support for victims by enhancing training for first responders and front-line staff, to equip them with the skills to support victims sensitively. They have also established 24-hour helplines for student care and dedicated victim care units at some IHLs, and enhanced counselling services.