The multi-stakeholder Taskforce on Family Violence (‘Taskforce’) was set up in February 2020 against the backdrop of an increase in the number of enquiries and new cases of family violence handled by community agencies.
Over 1 ½ years, the Taskforce analysed family violence-related data and engaged a range of stakeholders who work directly with family violence survivors and perpetrators, including frontline responders, psychologists, social workers, lawyers, women’s organisations and advocacy groups. Based on findings from the data and the feedback provided by community partners, the Taskforce developed 16 recommendations to improve immediate support for victims, enhance protection for them, prevent violence from recurring, and raise awareness of early warning signs.
These recommendations are organised along four key thrusts:
- Thrust 1 – Increase awareness, strengthen societal attitudes against family violence, and enhance preventive efforts for persons at risk
- Thrust 2 – Make it easier for survivors and the community to report family violence, and get immediate help
- Thrust 3 – Strengthen protection and support for survivors to reduce their risk of being harmed again
- Thrust 4 – Increase the accountability of perpetrators and strengthen their rehabilitation
View the letter exchanges between Ministers of State and Ministers, in support of the Taskforce recommendations, here and here.
The Taskforce comprises 21 members from social service agencies (SSAs), non-Governmental organisations (NGOs), the Courts, hospitals, and Government agencies. Please refer to the press release on the Taskforce’s formation for more details.