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 According
to the legal definition in Singapore, cruelty to children or young persons
(below 16 years of age) involves acts of maltreatment by an adult, resulting in
unnecessary suffering or injury to health or well-being of the victim. This can
take several forms, while in Singapore, the following are observed:
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which involves physical injury to a child that is non-accidental, includes
violence, choking, poisoning, burning or scalding.
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which involves sexual activity with a child by an adult, includes suggestive or
inappropriate behaviour or comments directed towards a child's private parts or
unexposed areas.
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is the behaviour by a parent of caregiver that destroys children's confidence
in themselves. For instance, children are constantly told they are no good or
worthless, continually rejected and shown no affection, subjected to constant
verbal abuse and threats, or punished by being locked up alone or denied
friends or social activities.
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is when a child does not receive adequate food, shelter, medical care or
supervision.
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is when a child is subjected to wilful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment such
as being ignored.
We believe in prevention. Our Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Standing
Committee formed in 1989, renamed as Research & Advocacy Standing Committee
(RASC), in 2003 comprises paediatricians, forensic pathologists, psychiatrists,
psychologists, sociologists and social workers, lawyers, and the police, with
representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, and
professional bodies like the Singapore Paediatric Society. Together, we are
committed to Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect in Singapore.
RASC has been actively involved in
Case Management,
Training of professionals working with alleged child abuse cases,
Educating and Counselling caregivers on effective child upbringing
methods,
Research as well as
Public Education through talks, exhibitions and productions of
literature, such as brochures, booklets, monographs, as well as submissions to
local and international journals. Professionals and students interested in this
topic may come visit our
Resource Centre with its collection of books, manuals, journals and
articles on child abuse and neglect and related topics.
We actively participate in regional and international ISPCAN (International
Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) conferences. Children's
Society participated in the ISPCAN conference held in Denver, Colorado, United
States of America in July 2002, with an oral presentation on
"Perceptions of emotional child maltreatment in Singapore: Implications for
economically developed and developing countries". In addition we also
participate or contribute to other conferences or seminars involved in the area
of child abuse and neglect. Such contributions make Children's Society the main
VWO recognised internationally for work on child abuse and neglect in
Singapore.
RASC has contributed an article on "Child Protection in Singapore: An
Overview". Please click here
to download.
An abused child is a helpless victim of circumstance. All children should be
free from all types of abuse, exploitation or neglect as these may interfere
with normal development in childhood and may adversely affect their potential
to be competent adults and/ or parents. The sooner you intervene, the more you
can help to prevent a vicious cycle of abuse from progressing. When you suspect
potential child abuse, call the Ministry
of Community Development and Sports' Hotline at 1800-258 6378 during
office hours, or your Neighbourhood Police Post after office hours.
Singapore Children's Society hopes to encourage research projects related to
family, children and youths. This includes, but is not restricted to, the
following topics:
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Child abuse and neglect
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Childcare and parenting practices
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Marital issues (e.g. divorce, spousal violence, etc)
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Issues affecting service planning and provision
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Juvenile delinquency
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Schools/ education issues
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Other areas related to children and family
We provide grants amounting to $1,000 per applicant each year to support
students pursuing research on issues related to family, children and youths at
Undergraduate and Honours levels. Applicants pursuing higher degrees (e.g.
Masters, PhD, etc) may be considered for a higher quantum.
Criteria and Guidelines
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Students are required to conduct a piece of original research
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The study should add to our current understanding of families, children and
youth in the local setting
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Expenses supported include transport allowances for field research and material
cost (e.g. replication of survey questionnaires or research materials, etc).
How to apply?
To print the Research Grant application form, please
click here.
Please submit the completed application form together with the following
supporting documents:
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'O' and 'A' Levels certificates
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Transcripts of University examination results
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A recent passport sized photograph
Application forms and supporting documents must reach the following address by
29 September 2005
Singapore Children's Society,
Research & Outreach Department,
Blk 107 Yishun Ring Road,
#01-233, Singapore 760107
For further enquiries
Please contact Mrs Shum-Cheung Hoi Shan at:
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Our
Efforts in Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
