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Theresa Tan

Senior Social Affairs Correspondent

Theresa is a senior correspondent at The Straits Times and a veteran at reporting on social issues. She covers matters that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups, including the last, the least and the lost. After more than 20 years in journalism, Theresa still gets excited about telling stories about Singaporeans’ trials and triumphs. She believes everyone has a story to tell.

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Latest articles

When tough love crosses the line to child abuse

Parents may start out with good intentions when they start physically disciplining a child, but may end up abusing them, says the writer.
Parents may start out with good intentions when they start physically disciplining a child, but may end up abusing them, says the writer.

Men account for nearly 20% of spousal abuse victims in Singapore; more husbands seeking help

There were 337 spousal violence cases in 2025 where the victim was the husband, a 12% rise from the 302 in 2024.
There were 337 spousal violence cases in 2025 where the victim was the husband, a 12% rise from the 302 in 2024.

More child abuse cases in S’pore in 2025; reports to anti-violence helpline rose 49%

In 2025, there were 2,476 new child abuse cases of low or moderate safety and risk concerns, up by 16% from 2,128 in 2023 and 4% from 2,373 in 2024.
In 2025, there were 2,476 new child abuse cases of low or moderate safety and risk concerns, up by 16% from 2,128 in 2023 and 4% from 2,373 in 2024.

One child offended, but the next doesn’t have to

Baby abused to death by parents was not referred to child protection or social services: MSF

Trevor’s parents had agreed to follow a care plan drawn up by the hospital after he was discharged.
Trevor’s parents had agreed to follow a care plan drawn up by the hospital after he was discharged.

‘Has your existence benefited anyone?’: Gerard Ee on legacy and a life of service

Mr Gerard Ee stepped down as chairman of the Agency for Integrated Care and as a board member of MOH Holdings, closing the chapter on his official commitments. 
Mr Gerard Ee stepped down as chairman of the Agency for Integrated Care and as a board member of MOH Holdings, closing the chapter on his official commitments. 

When families cover up sexual abuse of a child, it can remain hidden for years: Shanmugam

In September, MSF officially launched its Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response (SAFER) unit to better detect and prevent child abuse.
In September, MSF officially launched its Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response (SAFER) unit to better detect and prevent child abuse.

More S’pore youth caught for offences in 2025, largely due to rise in cheating cases

A total of 3,117 youth aged between 10 and under 21 were arrested in 2025, up from 2,627 in 2024.
A total of 3,117 youth aged between 10 and under 21 were arrested in 2025, up from 2,627 in 2024.

Can big data save the next Megan Khung? It’s definitely worth a try to keep children safer

Megan’s mother and her ex-partner horrifically abused the four-year-old girl to death, and the couple burnt her corpse to avoid detection.
Megan’s mother and her ex-partner horrifically abused the four-year-old girl to death, and the couple burnt her corpse to avoid detection.

MSF’s new SAFER unit alerted social workers to protect young child who was harshly punished

On Sept 22, the new unit, called SAFER (Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response), was launched to strengthen the child protection system.
On Sept 22, the new unit, called SAFER (Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response), was launched to strengthen the child protection system.

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