The Usual Place Podcast

Singapore’s bystander problem: Would you stop a molester on the MRT?

Will a new bystander campaign by the police get more people to speak up for victims for molest and voyeurism?

Natasha Ann Zachariah

Will a new bystander campaign by the police get more people to speak up for victims of molest and voyeurism?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I chat with Ms Lim Shoon Yin, the executive director of Singapore women’s rights group Aware, about what holds bystanders back and what they can do.

Also on the podcast is Dr Julia Lam, a forensic psychologist, who assesses people who have committed these sexual crimes. She studies impulse control disorder and behavioural addiction, among other areas.

She explains why perpetrators cross the line and act on urges, despite knowing it’s a crime.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:51 Are more people reporting sexual assault?

4:20 Why do bystanders freeze?

6:01 Could you become a molester or voyeur?

9:15 Why perpetrators choose to cross the line

10:36 Why take the risk of getting caught in public?

13:42 How bystanders can safely intervene, if unsure

17:33 Perpetrators not deterred by warning announcements, posters

20:22 Do conservative societal attitudes contribute to such behaviour?

26:02 What victims need when they report harassment

If you need help or someone to talk to, do reach out to Aware’s Sexual Assault Care Centre team via its helpline on 6779-0282. The helpline operates from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. They can also be reached via email at sacc@aware.org.sg.

Aware is also organising two sessions of Sexual Assault First Responder Training this year. Sign up here: https://str.sg/BTHK

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Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Eden Soh and Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Danson Cheong

Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah

Assistant producer: Stacey Ngiam

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

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