Forum: Beyond reporting, how Singapore can tackle sexual violence

The launch of the SPOT campaign by the Singapore Police Force to encourage the public and victims to report sexual crimes is timely, given a 10 per cent increase in reported cases of sexual assault in 2025, averaging almost seven cases a day (Bring culprits to justice: Victims, witnesses of sex crimes urged to report offences, April 27).

To view the alarming statistic reported at the launch – that over the last five years Singapore has consistently had about 2,500 sexual assault cases reported annually – as a “stable” sexual crime situation is deeply concerning. Instead, we must address the consistently high number of cases, especially when under-reporting remains an issue.

The SPOT (Spot it, Protect the victim and oneself, Observe key details, and Tell the police) framework is a start. This must be combined with education to equip bystanders on how to protect and report safely, with focus on the survivor’s safety and well-being. We need an ecosystem of trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors.

AWARE has been at the forefront of this critical work for decades. Our Sexual Assault Care Centre has supported over 4,000 sexual assault survivors in the last five years. We have also trained more than 2,500 first responders and 250 active bystanders to act in trauma-informed ways through our Sexual Assault First Responder Training and Active Bystander workshops. A trauma-informed first response has a vast impact on a survivor’s recovery as it reduces re-traumatisation and restores a sense of agency by building safety and trust.

Beyond reporting, we must address the underlying systemic issues that give rise to the high incidence of sexual assault.

Firstly, we need to recognise that underlying gender attitudes go to the root of the kinds of masculine norms that lay the groundwork for gender-based violence – gender attitudes such as the “boys will be boys” acceptance of aggressive and sexually improper behaviour, and the “man up” exhortations that suppress empathy, vulnerability and emotional expression.

Secondly, sexuality education that teaches children, youths and adults in an age-appropriate manner about the boundaries of appropriate sexual behaviour is critical – equipping them with the knowledge that consent is key, and guidance on how to talk about, seek and obtain consent.

We need more than a reporting campaign. Building a trauma-informed ecosystem of survivor support, implementing widespread consent knowledge and tackling misogyny is how we create a safer society for all. 

Lim Shoon Yin
Executive Director
AWARE