childabuseHiding behind the locked door in her bedroom has become the daily routine for Chloe (not her real name), 20. On lucky days, she escapes unscathed and unharmed. More often than not, slaps and verbal abuse are bestowed by her inebriated father, furious with the money lost at his latest gambling escapade.

Her life was not always been marked with violence. Growing up, Chloe lived like any other child, showered with care and concern from loving parents. However, it all changed in 2005 when the only child’s father lost his nine-to-five job.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to do. I don’t have the financial capabilities and the guts to leave home,” she shares. “I don’t think I’m heartless enough to report him to the police. I don’t want him locked up. He is still my father and I love him.”

Child Abuse

According to the “Love Our Children – Prevent Child Abuse” brochure by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), child abuse is defined as “any act by a parent, guardian or caregiver that endangers or impairs the child’s physical or emotional wellbeing”. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, emotional and psychological abuse all fall under that category.

The child abuse law, legally known as the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA), protects children aged below 14, or any young person between 14 to 16 years old.

An abused person below 16 can seek help by confiding in a trusted adult who will be able to help. Alternatively, he or she may speak to a counsellor from any Family Service Centre or call Tinkle Friend , a helpline for children run by the Children’s Society .

On to the women’s Charter, or not

So what happens to young persons like Chloe who was 17 when the abuse started and to whom the CYPA did not apply?

Ms Goh Soo Cheng, 31, a social worker with the Subordinate Courts of Singapore’s Family and Juvenile Justice Centre, explains that people aged 16 and above are protected under a different law called the Women’s Charter. This law protects people against violence committed by their own family.

One way the Charter protects families is through the Personal Protection Order (PPO). A PPO is issued by the court to protect one from further acts of violence and applicants have to be 21 and above. For those below that age, Ms Goh suggests that he or she talk to a trusted relative regarding the situation. The relative can then apply for a PPO on behalf of the abused person.

If a family member or relative cannot be found, a social worker from a recognised Family Service Centre can be appointed to apply for a PPO. Ms Pang Kee Tai, a counsellor with the Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence (PAVe), adds that the abused person can approach the Family Court, PAVe, SAFE@Trans or Loving Heart to make an application for the Personal Protection Order (PPO).

Depending on the organization approached, the Court counsellor or social worker will take the
complainant through process of filing in and swearing of the standard Magistrate’s Complaint form, affirmation of complaint, date given to return to the Family Court for a mention, and issuance of summons to the abuser.

The drawn out PPO process

A legislation fee varying from $6 to $11 is charged depending on the place at which the summon is served. A lawyer is not necessary during the hearing and interpreters are available, at no charge, for those with a weak command of English.

It usually takes one to two weeks to get the case mentioned in court. The judge will then decide if the case can be resolved on the same day or if affidavits (sworn statements by the parties involved) and another hearing is necessary.

If a person has gathered evidence like pictures or medical certification from a doctor, he can show this to the court. The judge will then see what to take into consideration and make the judgement.

Normally, Ms Goh says, cases do not drag on and can be resolved in as fast as a week, but that depends on the complexity.

Courage to protect yourself

Some abused parties still don’t have the knowledge or means to protect themselves. Sgforums.com user, “Marchieaddict”, took no steps to protect herself when she was abused by a parent. “I wasn’t aware of any schemes or PPOs, and I just wanted to get away. Besides, all these personal protection order stuff does not really assist in improving the situation right?” she asks hype.

However, the abuse gave her the determination and resolution to study hard in order to break free. When she was 19, “Marchieaddict” moved out and took on a job to support herself. It’s been close to 10 years since she’s cut off all contact with her tormentor and currently in her late twenties, she’s doing well in her current occupation.

The Expedited Order

For people who are afraid of further abuse but they have no place to go other than the home they share with the abuser, the court offers a temporary protection order – Expedited Order (EO).

This order offers the complainant protection from the respondent before the PPO is granted. It’s similar to the PPO, and in cases of any violence, the complainant can report to the police.

In severe cases, the abused can check with Family Service Centres for alternatives. The safety plans include staying with relatives or going to a hotel if one can afford the expense. In extreme situations, the abused person will be brought to a crisis shelter.

Another Sgforums.com user, “Quinsy”, who was severely beaten up in her polytechnic days knew about the PPO but did not file for one due to her relatives’ persuasion to “save face”. If one does not take the first step to report their abused cases, there is not much the Charter and Family Court can do since “these sources do not actively go into outreach, and do not help a person make an application”, Ms Goh clarifies.

Effects of Abuse

According to Ms Goh, research on the psychological effects of abuse has shown that abused children may grow up to be aggressive. They might think that abuse is acceptable and turn violent when they’re parents. However, effects may vary from person to person.

Abuse from her childhood to teenage days made “Marchieaddict” paranoid and fearful. She reveals in a post on the forum, “Scars such as these can never truly heal. To someone who has lived in terror, fear is very real. Till today, I am afraid of people suddenly standing near behind me because a lot of the attacks were unprovoked and unanticipated.”

Where to get help

Family Court
Address: 3 Havelock Square
Telephone: 6435 5110

Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence 
(PAVe)
Address: Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Blk 211, #01-1446
Telephone: 6555 0390

SAFE@TRANS
Address: Bedok North Ave 2, Blk 410, #01-58
Telephone: 6449 9088

Loving Heart Multi Service Centre 
Address: Jurong East St 21, Blk 210, #01-389
Telephone: 6897 4766