Child sexual abuse can take various forms, both physical (such as molest or intercourse) and otherwise. These forms include exposing oneself, sending explicit messages or calls, masturbating in front of the victim or forcing the victim to masturbate, showing pornographic images and so on.
Child sexual abuse may be committed unto a child by someone of the same age, a few years older or much older than the victim. Many perpetrators have a prior relationship with the child—they might be family friends or relatives, teachers, coaches or babysitters.
Under Singapore’s Penal Code, persons under the age of 16 are unable to give consent to any sexual activity. This means that even if a minor said “yes” to sexual acts, the law still sees it as non-consensual. If the minor is under the age of 14, the law carries a heavier punishment.
Child sexual abuse is more prevalent than many people realise. In 2017, 20% of SACC cases (out of 515 cases) involved a survivor who faced sexual abuse as a child. In 2018, it was 16% (out of 808 cases), and in 2019, it was 17% (out of 777 cases).
What is sexual grooming?
Sexual grooming is a deliberate process by which a perpetrator confuses and manipulates his victims. Typically, he may establish a relationship of trust with the child and sometimes the child’s family, positioning himself as a source of support. He becomes close by paying special attention to a child, buying gifts or playing “hugging” and “tickling” games, making them feel loved and safe. At some point, he starts to blur the lines between care, love and sex to escalate his actions. He may begin to show his private parts, or induce a child to show his or hers. Doing this over a period of time normalises the abuse and allows for the crime to increase in intensity. A perpetrator may also suggest that the child had agreed to or even initiated the acts, further increasing his or her confusion and feelings of complicity.
When child sexual abuse occurs…
What can you do as a victim or bystander?
A young sexual violence survivor can tell a trusted adult about what they are experiencing. This adult may be able to support them and stop further abuse. At an institution like a school or a workplace, the incident can be reported to the disciplinary committee, HR, governing bodies or support centres, so that authorities can intervene.
A supportive, non-judgmental first response is pivotal in cases of child sexual abuse. If a child speaks up, listen and believe them. If you notice behavioural changes or sexualised behaviour in a child, gently investigate instead of shutting the child down. Though first instincts might be to scold, there are better ways to listen, show empathy, and seek help together with the survivor—e.g. by allowing the child to finish speaking, and assuring them that they are listened to, not judged or blamed.
What SACC can do?
SACC supports older youth and adult survivors primarily. We do offer limited support to child survivors in the form of case management, but not therapy. If a child is in need of support, we will work together with other agencies and refer the survivor to helpful resources. We can also offer emotional and practical support to older family members of the child survivor.
Please note that while we take confidentiality very seriously, in certain situations—i.e. in which a minor is at risk of harm—we may have to let authorities, such as police or Child Protective Services, know about the situation.
Alternatively, you may reach out directly to any of the Child Protection Specialist Centres below that provide specialised support services to children:
Other frequently asked questions
What is the legal age to have sex in Singapore?
It is illegal to have sex with a person (male or female) under the age of 16, whether or not the minor says “yes” to the act, under Section 376A of the Penal Code. If the minor is below 14, the offence is called statutory rape and perpetrators are liable to imprisonment for a term up to 20 years plus fine or caning. Additionally, penetrative sexual activity with minors aged 16-18 within exploitative relationships (e.g. a teacher and a student) is also illegal, under Section 376AA of the Penal Code.
What if both parties engaging in sexual activity are below 14 years of age?
Technically, this still constitutes the offence of statutory rape. However, the police, exercising its discretion and taking into account the age of the parties, may not initiate any charges.
What if a girl under 16 initiated sex with another person?
If a girl under 16 caused another person to have sex with her, she may be the guilty party under the offence of Statutory Penetration of a Minor under S376A, Penal Code.
Birds & Bees: Parents Workshop
We can teach children about healthy and unhealthy interactions from an early age, so that they can identify situations that are potentially abusive. AWARE conducts a workshop for parents called Birds & Bees, aimed at helping them teach their kids these healthy values. The workshop uses role-play, facilitated discussion and case studies to equip parents with skills to have those important conversations with their kids. Read more about Birds & Bees here.
