REACH 456 - What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
(SK)
15 May 2023 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:59 am, 15/05/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
Welcome back! 😊
⏰ We will be opening the chat from 11am to 7pm today. ⏰
House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:
1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.
2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.
3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.
4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.
5. Let’s protect each other’s privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.
Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms
We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all.
Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies.
The topic will be posted shortly.
Thank you
Megan 😊
[11:00 am, 15/05/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢
On 9 May, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) tabled the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in Parliament. It introduces a slew of measures to better protect victims of family violence.
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
The Bill will add three new provisions to personal protection orders (PPO):
📌 1. A “stay-away” provision
This will prevent the perpetrators from being outside victims’ homes or places that they frequent.
📌 2. A “no-contact” provision
This prevents perpetrators from visiting or communicating with the victims.
📌 3. A “mandatory treatment” provision for perpetrators
If perpetrators are suffering from a psychiatric condition that contributes to their behaviour towards their victims, the court can issue a mandatory treatment order against perpetrators.
Further, the Bill will also lower the minimum age to apply for a PPO to 18, from 21. Currently, those between the ages of 18 to 20 who are unmarried need to rely on others like their guardians to apply for a PPO on their behalf.
The bill also establishes “protectors” who can apply for a PPO on behalf of victims who are at risk of being harmed but who refuse to apply for the order on their own.
To hold perpetrators accountable, the Bill proposes to increase the penalties for breaches of family violence-related court orders to a maximum fine of S$10,000, up from S$2,000, and/or a 12-month imprisonment term, up from 6 months.
"For families that are facing or at risk of violence, it is important, once the protection and safety objective has been achieved, to help offenders rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships. This will help break the cycle of violence", MSF said.
MSF sought public feedback on the proposed amendments, such as through REACH's public consultation in April 2022, and received strong support for them. To find out more please click here: https://go.gov.sg/feedbackwomenscharter22
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ppo-emergency-orders-family-violence-amendments-womens-charter-parliament-3474296
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/proposed-changes-to-boost-protection-for-family-violence-victims-rehab-for-abusers
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-24-hour-emergency-response-team-among-measures-to-strengthen-protection-for-abuse-victims
👉 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/emergency-order-family-violence-amendment-bill-2166691
----
[11:21 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Ha Ha Ha Talk rubbish again . It will make the officers more ya ya and anyhow catch. Why can't the deal with internal officers 1st before this being rule.
My boy was abuse by my ex for 3 over years until the boy became a special need boy. Instead of staying away from my ex . These officers believe his words after primary any how report. And insist the child to return to my ex despite there is two court orders from the state court. The ACG still agree with the officers in removal. Without solid proof that I had abuse my special boy, these officers and AGC agree in return to my ex. while I have all solid proof from police and proof and witness and my ex past drug record and as a hard core in prison, these officers and AGC still insist and said my report are fake and court order are not relevant. Furthermore due to my ex abuse to the boy, he need therapy and these officers denial his therapy by avoiding appointment from Child Guidance clinic
The best part is MOE normally activate the REACH Team to primary school to asses those special children and have therapy in Child Guidance clinic which are partly under IMH. But these officers mention they are not recognize and only MSF team therapy is recognize. This is super weird aren't they both under government body, if REACH assessment and therapy are not recognize, why are they being call by MOE to school.
[11:23 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Abuse come from man’s mindset.
Thinking of power money is everything can enjoyable or he is unhappy with wives.
I believed in Singapore alway thinking is money come first. While wives is look after child or family.
Every man is head of family.
Marriage is not a game.
[11:23 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Any way all these bill are rubbish without dealing the internal officers, more families will suffer and break apart. We do not see things on surface but we need it see through the whole picture. Then let these officers any how deal thing by only seeing the surface
[11:24 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Are you from other country?
[11:24 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Your name sound like Thailand
[11:25 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yes, Singapore always think of money especially those officers and MOE educators. They have a quota to hit that is why they will anyhow bomb. Causing more families in danger. This is not right .
[11:26 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: I am from Malaysia.
[11:27 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Because without seeking counselling can danger themselves and even wive suffer from hide her pain.
[11:28 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Low income need to seek help not because of the money
[11:28 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Counselor where got so free. They only see the families less than 4 times a years. What matter is the support team around them that go throught with them every now and then .
[11:30 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: U wait long long . By going to all department, it still go back to square 1. The best is after seeking MP for help for few times, the lackey can said no user seeing and tear away the q number. So what do think ? .
[11:32 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Guy & ladies are being an abuser and there sure a reason behind. Without Knowing the reason, anyhow remove it only make things worst
[11:32 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: This is case matter to family.
But trying to understand going through happened.
[11:34 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Or choose to LAB advise
[11:34 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Just like the officers said Kids hit parent nothing wrong but parent hit kids is an abuse. Like that the society will collapse. Just like the recent case, 14 years old rob gold shop, 16 years old molest aunty etc. Whose fault all these officers fault for so defensive on the kids. In the past we kana hantam until like shit and we go up to be a better person but now, over pamper, they became criminals. Who going to answer their crime.
[11:35 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: 14 year old robbing goldsmith in Malaysia?
[11:35 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Be it family matter or what ever , no one will help even they change the bills without looking into picture.
[11:36 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: In Singapore.
[11:36 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Reported in the news? When ?
[11:37 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Few months back 17 years old kill his father. Nowadays teen-age crime seem common due t these officer too pamper.
[11:37 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: If the kidding behaviour wrong then it can go wrong without self discipline.
Or if attack kidding any physical injuries then teachers observe kidding from abuse parent
[11:38 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Kid ill-discipline is lacking parenting skill
[11:38 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Yes correct
[11:38 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: But parent cannot discipline , the parent will be caught as an abuser.
[11:39 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Kidding have not learned crime did the school or MOE teaching them self discipline
[11:39 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: You can tried by scolding is emotion abuse by spat the children is physicals abuse. like that how can a parent discipline ?
[11:40 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: You mean parent teach the kidding how to thief?
[11:41 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: We parent teach kid wellbeing thru all method but those officers insist of love teaching, do you think it work.
[11:41 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Officer is very strictly in public but not all too kindliness
[11:41 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: with the backup from officers, children get more rebellion and start to do what they like.
[11:42 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Best is learn self respect
[11:42 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Parent must teach / guide their offspring from toddler. Impossible to begin from teenager. That is is family communication is important. Cannot rely on kids to mobile device alone
[11:42 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: yes. and they do not look in parent shoe they just back up kids be it right or wrong. In the end parent being charge as abuser.
[11:43 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Sigh 😔
[11:43 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Why should anyone look at parents shoe. This parent is lacking in many skills
[11:44 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: an guide with love teaching but not discipline otherwise parent will go in sit. Especially poor families, they hardly had enough to feed, how to hire lawyers against these officers in court.
[11:45 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Parent has different in role like part of responsibility for child education.
[11:46 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Erh pono bono is free (I may spell it wrong). Long time never check
[11:46 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The officers should look into parent shoes. Parent discipline kids for their well being and responsibilities and not any how. But these officers do not agree. With these officers hinder the parent teaching their kids. how can the kids learn. A bit only the kid will use officers to threat the parent.
[11:46 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Do you know Amos yee how did he end up jail in USA
[11:47 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Learned is mistake lead a lesson but too much annoying since he was young
[11:47 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Pro Bono, wait long after going through tons of assessments, they will still reject the application.
[11:47 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: I see
[11:47 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Anyway your kid is your responsibility, how you raise them etc. Cannot blame everybody for own lacking
[11:47 am, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Do you need seek help?
[11:48 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: I tried before bu after few months it rejected and I end up 30K for mine divorce case
[11:49 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Last time checking to sell father-in-law HDB. Never about raising my own family
[11:49 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: No one blaming but these officers need to retrain and learn as a parent . These officers are so young without experience.
[11:50 am, 15/05/2023] +Noraini: Everybody start from young. Officers, parents, student.
[11:51 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: No matter how parent tried , the officers will step in this cannot that cannot then how to discipline. Love teaching , what is love teaching ? Agree in whatever the kid do even it is wrong
[11:51 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Then the officers should be well train then take side in kids and blame parent when they discipline their kids.
[11:56 am, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Officers also need to know how to protect the vulnerable with proper skills. After abuse the families was remove. how about the impact of families in mental in skills of support themselves etc. Remove is easy but there will be a lot of back end to clear. They cannot just just remove and left alone. How about special need kids which Singapore do not recoinages or help at all. Single parent especially those with special need kids will left behind and more society problem will surface. Never be surprise criminal age is getting younger.
[0:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: These are the fruit of the officers from MSF
[0:03 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: I think not all should be involved.
Because they go religious’s teaching
Example Christ learn word from god in bible
Buddhism teaching the scriptures
[0:03 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: They believe won’t go wrong path
[0:19 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
This situation sounds a bit strange.
1. If state court have ruled the child custody belongs to the mother, AGC cannot direct otherwise.
Wonder how AGC got involves in family matters that deal with child custody?
Unless it involves case that deal with criminal law?
[0:21 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Because school any how report child abuse after the mother feedback to MOE of school use cane to threaten the special boy.
[0:23 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: Blady incompetent professional!
[0:23 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: Some head of family should be women!
[0:23 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: Blady idiot professional!
[0:23 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. That means, the child must have undergone medical examination and discover that he has wounded marks on his body.
[0:24 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Then AGC and officers believe the ex story and school story without proof. While the mum is working in hospital and most of can justify for her that she never abuse the child. Instead hear both the AGC and Officers trust the ex and insist the court to return the boy to the father . Judge was not happy abt the AGC ways of dealing matter. the last court session took 7 hours plus with AGC and Judge arguing in court.
[0:26 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. If the mother is working in the hospital and did not cane her child, how does the cane marks appear on the child body?
[0:26 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Only common bruise as he was diagnose with Impulsive ADHD and PTSD ( due to the ex abuse ) plus due the ex is a drug addict , the boy do have other medical issues certify by MOH Doctors
[0:27 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: No cane marks but bruise. .
[0:27 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. How did the child got the bruise?
[0:28 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Schools mention warning letters was given a few round , but she received none and they cannot provide in court . We walk through with her and help her take care during working time.
[0:29 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Children having bruise are common especially for ADHD child
[0:29 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Hmm only assets higher than husband then can be head woman.
[0:30 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Agree there are black sheeps No one is perfect so am I 🙏 we care, share learn and apply.
[0:32 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: There are various constraints/restrictions(by law) for the social worker/doctors…..
[0:33 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: The recent driver with epilepsy but doctor cannot report due to PDPA
[0:33 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: All these have to be look into
[0:35 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: Attempted to interact with a minor unlawfully
[0:36 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Most of the matter are not A or B . They are all link and those officers need to look more in-depth to deal the problem
[0:36 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Bruise normally occurs if the child fall down or knock against hard objects.
Or it can happen if he is assaulted.
Bruise is more serious than cane marks.
Which part of his body got bruises and he got it?
[0:37 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Normalise legs and hands . He is a special need child with ADHD . These group of kids do thing impulsive and hard to control
[0:38 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: ADHD special for child is discrimination.
[0:39 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Unless we wrap them in bubble wrap
[0:39 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: ADHD is certify by Doc
[0:39 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Yes agreement
[0:40 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Which parent will face challenge
[0:40 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Parent have to bear it responsibility
[0:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Cannot as officers also hinder parent teaching
[0:41 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
In that case, the child is temporarily look after by MSF to prevent further injuries.
Then did another court case preside over the child custody and rule that the child custody to be given to the father instead?
[0:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The boy was remove for almost a year without therapy for his ADHD
[0:42 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Then how does the child custody landed to the father instead?
[0:42 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: In the children home , same thing it was reported that he also suffer a lot of bruise
[0:43 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
So now the child is not under the mother and father custody - but instead stay in the children home.
[0:43 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Did anyone witness how did he get bruised? evidence reporting.
[0:44 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The father accuse his mum . The AGC is fighting court by asking the Judge to return the boy to the father but Judge decline due to the father is a drug addict and hard core The nex hearing is July
[0:44 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yes , all her negibours plus ourself and we going to testify in court
[0:44 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: No wonder father is abuse drug
[0:45 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The child is u see the mother custody but they remove him and put in children without therapy and anyhow draw the boy blood without mother consent
[0:46 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
So that means, the child still in the children home - and is neither in the custody of the mother and father.
It is now pending a court case to determine whether child abuse indeed happen or it was a case of the child mental conditions that result in self injury.
[0:47 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yup but in court according to lawyer custody still with the mum
[0:50 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Yes according to previous court judgement, the child is still under mother custody.
But now the child is under children home temporary custody - as a suspected child abuse is being investigated, charge in court and pending court case to determine if indeed the child is abuse or it is the child mental condition that trigger the injury.
Procedure wise, the AGC did not breach any procedures and is appropriate for the case as well as the child welfare.
[0:53 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: All these abuse stuff was from the child father not mum . We have a lawyer for her and most of the staff and doctors in the hospital will testify for her in court because these is not truth but alleged mage by school and officers
[0:53 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: If there is an abuse . It will be report early when only in primary school
[0:54 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
If the child is under the mother custody and then now under the children home custody - then how does the father inflict the bruise on the child?
[0:57 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: There is a lie detector equipment and when should it come in at which point of time.
[0:59 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: In the past before their divorce the father abuse the boy fir almost 3 years with police report
[1:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The father is a drug addict and hard core while the mum is a hardworking staff in hospital
[1:03 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
The medical examination can verify long time bruise and fresh new bruise.
Also I have not come across 3 years bruise will not heal.
If the child is under the care of the mother, then the mother should have brought the child for treatment if she has discover the father 3 years ago have abuse the child.
[1:03 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: I’m so sorry to hear this, it must have been hard on you and hard a difficult time struggling. Yes, do see certain part of the Govt board/agency etc Miss and fail the correct procedure etc. stay strong and seek help direct to MP and pray tad prayers from all religions are powerful and the Righteous will win.
[1:06 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yes that is why she chose divorce.
[1:07 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: And she tried seek treatment and therapy in the past few years with our help
[1:07 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Also you mentioned that ADHD child is susceptible to bruise through self injury.
Before evidence are brought into court, how to be so certain the bruise are caused by the father, mother or self injury?
That means unless all the facts are properly established in the courts - accusing the authorities for mishandling the case is inappropriate.
[1:08 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yes there is proof from pre school as the boy will self harm if he get angry . The pre school will be testifying in court also
[1:09 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: All proof had sibmyto court while the other does not have any Ang the officers even threatened the mum by saying cannot hire lawyers but we help her to hire one
[1:10 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: Yes, it’s better for child attend school. Please keep on going testifying it’s safe for child if it more continue braised.
[1:11 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Now even on children they dun frequently bring him to school and the officers also block school from update the mother
[1:12 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Unless all evidence are recorded by CCTV, cameras, photos, or witness.
Also you mentioned the father abuse the child, and the mother did not abuse the child - any evidence to prove yes or no?
If no physical evidence, circumstances evidence will be established by the court.
Hence before trial, be careful about accusing authorities of mishandling - as all facts will be established and come into public domain.
[1:14 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
To be honest, I have discovered quite a lot of inconsistencies in what you related and some facts contradict one another.
The court will be the best place to establish the real facts.
[1:15 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: I think need hire PI (Private investigator) if really don’t mind pay more $$$ to evidence
[1:16 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: This has point because of none evidence
[1:21 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: No need PI . In hospital there are alot of CCTV . During the pandemic, the boy was with us in hospital until late wee hours and come back next day morning.
[1:23 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The father abuse was heavily reported and hence the boy was granted PPO by state court against the father but these officers decline the order .
[1:25 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The father abuse was heavily reported and hence the boy was granted PPO by state court against the father but these officers decline the order . More ever there is an social report during the supervise visit for the father that the father cannot go near the boy, the boy will go head wire , there is why there is an the court order that the father had to stay away from the boy but those officers decline these order and insist the boy to go back his father
[1:27 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Well I have a rough idea what is going on.
Now is for the court to establish the real facts and make the judgement.
[1:28 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: So now the point is , are they trying to make the boy condition worst or spend time inside like his father or end up as a drug addict. All the father criminal record , the mother also had a copy . While the mother had no criminal record working in hospital clinic . spending all saving for the boys treatment and therapy.
[1:28 pm, 15/05/2023] +Frankie Wee: But we are here chat group is about we want to developing and social care improvement.
The case we have tried best encourages positive.
Actual if it’s turn serious something matter to your personality hence we are not involved.
Best is how you learn from this group to share with you.
[1:29 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: We do hope justification can be bought out rather than let these officers any how do thing. Without therapy or medication for the boy asthma or any how draw blood without mother consent, the boy will suffer .
[1:31 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The boy had suffer abuse and so much more and now this. Hence I against these officers in doing thing by looking at surface. What they do Heaven will see and give punishment.
[1:38 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: So the base line is by having having all these new regulation without proper executor , does the teams think it will work ? It will only cause more worst thing to happen.
[1:38 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
And how the child respond to the mother and father - will be most instinctive.
As it will reveal who actually abuse him.
[1:40 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
And the child statement will be very important.
[1:40 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: According to the supervise center during every visit, the child want to kill the father and refuse to see him
[1:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: The boy is still a child wit special condition - PTSD now under IMH therapy. HIs word might not strong enough to justify
[1:47 pm, 15/05/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Try approaching Mummy Yummy for financial assistance on medical bills etc
[1:48 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Statement against father can take?
[1:49 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
Statement against mother cannot take?
[1:50 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yup . this what the officers doing now. they took the father words instead the mother. Lucky the mother had proof.
[1:57 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
AGC and the Court will be the best to establish the facts and make judgements.
[1:59 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Haha , 1st time saw AGC kana slap by Judge words during the last court session with her. The judge even ask AGC who is the Judge in court.
[2:10 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢
On 9 May, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) tabled the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in Parliament. It introduces a slew of measures to better protect victims of family violence.
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
The Bill will add three new provisions to personal protection orders (PPO):
📌 1. A “stay-away” provision
This will prevent the perpetrators from being outside victims’ homes or places that they frequent.
📌 2. A “no-contact” provision
This prevents perpetrators fr…
[3:12 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
We have had good feedback and hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Megan 😊
[3:25 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
There are 3 important considerations in tackling family violence that the Government has rightly pointed out :-
1. Protect victims in family violence.
- Important step is to remove victims from further harm from the family - and put them in a safe house.
2. Help offenders to rehabilitate
- Important to take steps to warn/punish, educate and help offenders to rehabilitate - to ensure they know what they do are wrong and harm the victims which are in fact their loved ones.
- transform and change their wrong behavior.
- learn how to be mindful when their anger arises, control their anger by letting them run through the consequences of their actions - how they harm the victims, other family members and how their harmful actions will land them in jail etc.
- go through anger management course
- learn to take cool, rational and wholesome actions to manage difficult situations.
3. Reconcile and heal the families - until and unless the offenders learn, and transform to be a better person - not to harm the victims, understand the consequences of their harmful actions and take constructive, wholesome actions to diffuse difficult situation.
- ultimately, only after ensuring the family can take care of one another wholesomely - can Authorities bring them together for reconciliation and heal the families -- without succumbing to old ways that harm the victims.
[3:28 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
4. Children brought up from a broken and violent family - can harm them long term when they grow up.
Hence special attention should be paid to the development and growing up of such children - to ensure they are properly brought up - and not succumb mentally or worst follow their parents' violent behavior - and make positive contribution to themselves and the society.
[3:37 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Agree. But the officer must be well train on how to handle base on situation on not on any how.
[3:40 pm, 15/05/2023] ☸️ Danny 心:
1. Hence, I support the :-
a. A "stay-away" provision
- to ensure offenders do not physically harass the victims outside their home or the places they frequent --- unless the Authorities have established the offenders have indeed undergone successful rehabilitation and no longer will harm the victims and the rest of the family members.
b. A "no-contact" provision
- to ensure offenders do not contact victims outside their home or the places they frequent --- unless the Authorities have established the offenders have indeed undergone successful rehabilitation and no longer will harm the victims and the rest of the family members.
c. A "mandatory treatment" provision for offenders
- if the offenders is suffering from psychiatric condition that lead to abuse of the victims --- as the offenders are not aware of their own mental conditions - and put the victims in a harm way, not knowing what he/she do are in fact hurting the victims which are their loved ones.
- only after treatment, medication and medical intervention - that lead to offenders recovery, knowing what they do constitute harms, and possess the mental and physical abilities to manage themselves and the victims - can they be allowed to contact, and physically interact with the victims.
- until medical reports, social welfare officers report and other relevant reports - certified the offenders is clear of uncontrollable conditions and able to lead a normal lives - can the offenders be allow to take part in the healing and reconciliation process.
[3:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: 1. Protect victims in family violence.
- Important step is to remove victims from further harm from the family - and put them in a safe house.
For this , not only safe home , they need to help train the parent to able to earn a living on their own and have their own shelter, rather then depend on government.
All these to deal with rather then the surface. They can put them in safe home but what about future , who going to feed them etc .
For families , it does not mean a straight forward question, there will be more coming up.
[3:42 pm, 15/05/2023] +Anne: Dear G,
Domestic violence should be considered a serious crime, and yet, like molest cases, the penalties are so lenient. Compare the maximum penalties for theft vs the proposed new sentences for violating the PPO and you can see the huge difference.
A man who punches his wife and flings his child against the wall only gets a PPO issued against him - this is so laughable. And if he violates the PPO he is fined a max of only $10k and 12-month imprisonment. Compare this with a case of a man fighting against other men and chances are he gets a heavier jail term and probably caning.
This type of violent character deserves a long jail term with caning - he does his violent acts knowingly and chances are he gets his high from the looks of terror on his victims’ faces. Shouldn’t this violent character experience the same type of terror he inflicts on his wife and children? And you want to focus on rehab. I don’t think rehab was ever mentioned during the sentencing of an 18-year-old boy who was caned for vandalism.
When you come up with proposed penalties can you please think of the pain and suffering of the victims first before you think of rehab for the criminal? Not that rehab is not important, but I have a feeling the G likes to focus on the rehab of the criminals and downplay the sufferings of the victims. Unless of course, it involves $ or property, then the focus becomes punishing the criminals.
[3:42 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: I also support these. Maybe these can stop the abuser from continue harassing the family but how far it can last we do not know.
[3:44 pm, 15/05/2023] +Boon: Does it cover and recognises the male gender (regardless of age) being abused? If not, how are the non-woman genders protected?
[3:46 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: สวัสดี
ขอบคุณที่แบ่งปันเรื่องราวครอบครัวของคุณกับเรา
ความสงบจะทำให้คุณได้ผลลัพธ์ที่ดีขึ้น และสำหรับทุกคน โดยเฉพาะลูกของคุณ อย่าหมดหวัง ขอบคุณ
Calmness?
Only if you have grounds and good reasons, you should approach a lawyer who will represent you free of charge.
All prior statements and evidences by you, your ex spouse and your latest statement will have to be reexamined before a new trial begins or no trial will takes place.
Perhaps, this try will be final.
ขอให้โชคดี! ขอบคุณ
[3:46 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Provided that the one that got abuse willing to stand forward against the abuser. Otherwise, there is nothing much that we can do. The victim must stand out as the bystander can not do anything without witness the harm given - neighbors can call police but victim withdraw chargers what can others do. In State Court, every thing must come with proof.
[3:51 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Prove beyond doubts!
ขอบคุณ
[3:55 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Rehab - the boy in secondary school injure other class mate was not given rehab and he was sentence. So I do think rehab is a good solution for abuser , they should be punish heavily for inflicting the pain in the victim cause life time emotion hurt.
[4:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢
On 9 May, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) tabled the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in Parliament. It introduces a slew of measures to better protect victims of family violence.
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
The Bill will add three new provisions to personal protection orders (PPO):
📌 1. A “stay-away” provision
This will prevent the perpetrators from being outside victims’ homes or places that they frequent.
📌 2. A “no-contact” provision
This prevents perpetrators fr…
[4:31 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: 15 May, 2023
In PP v Luan Yuanxin [2002] 2 SLR 98
"Violent acts such as these are particularly heinous when they are committed within the confines of a familial relationship as they constitute an abuse of the bonds of trust and interdependency that exist between family members.
More often than not, the effects of such violence within the family fall most harshly upon the children who, while they may not be the direct recipients of the violence, will nevertheless carry the scars of these acts of brutality.
In this regard, I was mindful of the need to deter anyone else who might resort to such violence, especially in view of the deplorable increase in the number of cases involving family violence."
- - CJ Yong Pung How
Additional Punishments?
For first time and repeat offenders of spouse abuse (to include physical and sexual) especially victim is a woman and or child of age 16 years and below with harsher sentences for abusing young children age 12 and below.
All abuses, if caused by permanent or partial disabilities or causing hospitalisation and medical issues ( including all known sexually transmitted diseases) of over seven days or loss of human abilities such as to freely move hand or leg, to listen, to speak clearly, or to see; shall receive caning as a deterrent punishment and a firm message to all potential offenders at large: Don't do it ! (三思后行)
- - in progress - -
[4:46 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: I still feel there's behind the scenes of collaboration between the executive and the judiciary but no concrete proof!😞🤦♂️🤷♂️
[4:47 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: Yes
[4:47 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: PTO must ve enhanced
[4:48 pm, 15/05/2023] +Rama: True
[4:54 pm, 15/05/2023] +Thai wordings: Yup because the officers and MOE need quota and if the family got money to hire lawyer, it also benefit G. Back to square 1 , they are hantu they are human also.
[5:33 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: https://www.facebook.com/100064539047998/posts/619901046837858/?mibextid=afzh1R
[5:40 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
We have had good feedback and hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Megan 😊
[5:50 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: It takes two willing hands?
So how to resolve all these existential family matters, real lifetime hatred and how to let it all go, both parties through continuous engagements, a friendlier and less tense dialogues to seek a middle path!Though it is not an easy task to mediate and mend broken things, it takes two willing hands to clap! Or start a new and separate life?
It is POSSIBLE to reduce the temperament at both ends and may be a chance to reconcile and mend ways through continuous engagements; only if all of us as adults acknowledge that children are our precious gifts: miracles and/ or a higher calling!
[6:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢
On 9 May, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) tabled the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in Parliament. It introduces a slew of measures to better protect victims of family violence.
💬 What are your views on this new proposed law? How do you think we can better protect victims of family violence in Singapore, and also help offenders to rehabilitate and families to reconcile and heal relationships to break the cycle of violence?
The Bill will add three new provisions to personal protection orders (PPO):
📌 1. A “stay-away” provision
This will prevent the perpetrators from being outside victims’ homes or places that they frequent.
📌 2. A “no-contact” provision
This prevents perpetrators fr…
[6:07 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: May be there is a need to encourage especially the newly wed couples; for the first five years of marriage life to attend scheduled family planning and counselling to check on each other that they are both satisfied, happy and the family is alright too! Importantly, seek out any early signs of discontent or disputes over tangibles and intangibles. Money issues and/or in-laws can be a sparking point for more rougher journey ahead and subsequent quarrels involving either or both couple.
[6:28 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Can we consider having a national campaign to inculcate moral and ethics or set a national or special day for this theme: family, happy and peaceful!
[6:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Thank you for the double hearts!
We need billions of WARM HEARTS!
Thank you!
[6:41 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Thank you!
[6:42 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Big picture?
The bigger the idea is (problem), the more you need to work with more people, the breadth and the depth. And the bigger the problem is solved, the greater will be the rewards in the waiting; think empathy for your users and enriching them with your invention or creation than the temptation of monetary gains to no ending. When you got it all rite, at the end, you will be rewarded. Finally, redefined the possibilities and go for the impossibles; personifying Bravery, Boldness and Creativity to see beyond the reality...
Thank you!
[6:44 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
- - Lao Tze
[6:45 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
[6:59 pm, 15/05/2023] +Anne: Must the authorities wait for the victims to suffer from broken bones, disabilities or death before the criminal can be caned? Then, if this criminal is cunning enough, he can continually inflict physical or verbal violence to terrorize his victims. Eg leaving bruises not visible to outsiders, violently throwing his wife’s or children’s things around.
Much harsher deterrent must be meted out to these criminals. I have a feeling many of these criminals behave in a well-bred and kind manner to outsiders but are monsters to their families. This means that these criminals have a weakness - they love to look good in front of people and dread being exposed as a bad person. Perhaps can consider publicising their criminal behavior to make the abusers stop their violence.
Society must condemn domestic violence and not laugh at the victims - yes, some people actually find it amusing when their friends have been attacked. Some people even claim the victims “deserve” to be attacked. Someone shared with me that there are well-meaning “friends” who reprimand the victims for not doing their best to “please” their husbands, and even advise the victims to perform their “wifely” duties by doing perfect housework and be perfect mothers and providing “sex” services to their husbands.
The G must make their stand very “loudly” and clearly that they mean business and will not hesitate to mete out harsh punishment to these criminals. The media must provide publicity and condemn such behaviors and warn abusers to stop their acts of violence.
[7:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: Hi Anne,
Apologized fixed up you from the other person.
Thank you.
[7:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
[7:00 pm, 15/05/2023] +Smiley face: 15 May, 2023
To: Our Distinguished Leaders, MSF, All Family Social Workers and All Honorable Members
"Children are the ultimate victims of family violence and/or divorce!.. Just when you assume that the Court will settle these highly emotional things and thereafter, a happy ending for the victims and punishments handed to the guilty and life goes on...?"
- - anonymity
Preamble!
In every case of human disputes, there will always be multiple reasons, comments, vicious and biases. Human relationships are just complex and fragile too! It is timely to strengthen and emphasize in all levels of our education ecosystem: to teach respect, types of responsibilities and filial piety regardless of race or religion!
"In life, you Give and Take or you Take and Take?"
- - anonymity
May be there is a need to encourage especially the newly wed couples; for the first five years of marriage life to attend scheduled family planning and counselling to check on each other that they are both satisfied, happy and the family is alright too! Importantly, seek out any early signs of discontent or disputes over tangibles and intangibles. Money issues and/or in-laws or siblings can be a sparking point for more rougher journey ahead and subsequent quarrels involving either or both couple.
What are the guild lines or precedent to qualify and quantify a case as family violence or child abuse or spouse abuse? Do we based sijoky on physical wounds or the mental conditions of the victims? It is certainly a long process to investigate, to prove beyond any doubts and to finally settle an outcome of custody of the child/children.
Done?
This sentence of PPO by the family court is the beginning of more unhappiness from the losing party and to add-on to the mounted anger, a monthly alimony payable and a restraining order to prevent future physical fighting, unpleasant verbosity, or harassment from either party.
It takes two willing hands?
So how to resolve all these existential family matters, real lifetime hatred and how to let it all go, both parties through continuous engagements, a friendlier and less tense dialogues to seek a middle path!Though it is not an easy task to mediate and mend broken things, it takes two willing hands to clap! Or start a new and separate life?
It is POSSIBLE to reduce the temperament at both ends and may be a chance to reconcile and mend ways through continuous engagements; only if all of us as adults acknowledge that children are our precious gifts: miracles and/ or a higher calling!
Checks, Triple Checks?
MSF should conduct interviews from both spouses starting from the neighbors, workplace, friends and relatives to have a better understanding of the cracks and sour spots of this family. What's the history and the present situation?
Believes that MSF has done these detailed interviews and throughout investigations before recommending solutions or escalate the case to the family court on behalf of the weaker side that is the victims of family violence.
Protect the innocent!
Children are innocent people in all of these family violence and divorce cases. How these innocent children be housed? To stay with relatives or grandparents or a temporary house just to avoid further harms while waiting for a solution or court order.
At the earliest stage, once a case is known, what are the existing ways to safeguard children at the same time keeping confidential of the on-going investigations and court trials, protections from the school environment though teachers, counsellors and principal know and not for the classmates?
Empathy and Kindness are two humane things for adults to seriously consider and to ensure these adult disputes and or violence be stopped sooner and spare the children from trauma, shaming and embarrassment that will be detrimental to the child's psychology and behaviors as they grow up to adults.
Afterwords:
"Is Prevention better than Cure...?"
- - anonymity
In PP v Luan Yuanxin [2002] 2 SLR 98
"Violent acts such as these are particularly heinous when they are committed within the confines of a familial relationship as they constitute an abuse of the bonds of trust and interdependency that exist between family members.
More often than not, the effects of such violence within the family fall most harshly upon the children who, while they may not be the direct recipients of the violence, will nevertheless carry the scars of these acts of brutality.
In this regard, I was mindful of the need to deter anyone else who might resort to such violence, especially in view of the deplorable increase in the number of cases involving family violence."
- - CJ Yong Pung How
Additional Punishments?
For first time and repeat offenders of spouse abuse (to include physical and sexual) especially victim is a woman and or child of age 16 years and below with harsher sentences for abusing young children age 12 and below.
All abuses, if causing permanent or partial disabilities to the victim(s) or causing hospitalisation and lifelong or life threatening medical issues (including all known sexually transmitted diseases) of over seven days or loss of human abilities such as to freely move hand or leg, to listen, to speak clearly, or to see; shall receive caning as a deterrent punishment and a firm message to all potential offenders at large: Don't do it ! (三思后行)
- - in progress - -
=====
No comments:
Post a Comment