More kids sexually assaulted in 2025; attacks by family members against them also up: Police

SINGAPORE – When Mary (not her real name) was eight, she was raped by her relative, but she kept silent about the attack.

She felt ashamed of what the 15-year-old had done to her, and was worried the assault would break up their family.

More than 20 years on, Mary has not recovered from the incident. Her psychologist is the only person who knows about it.

There were more sexual assault cases involving victims under the age of 16 in 2025, according to police figures released to The Straits Times on March 29.

The figure rose from 943 cases in 2024 to 1,031 cases in 2025. There were 998 cases in 2023.

The number of sexual assault cases allegedly committed by family members or relatives involving victims below 16 also increased, from 184 cases in 2024, to 192 cases in 2025. There were 169 such cases in 2023.

Recounting Mary’s case, Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, said the effects of sexual assault on victims can often be long-term.

Dr Chow said: “Being sexually assaulted is already devastating to the victim. But when it is committed by a family member, it is another level of betrayal.

“And when the family member is someone they trusted, it can affect their ability to trust people again, which will, in turn, affect other relationships in the long run.”

In Mary’s case, she is reminded of the sexual assault almost daily, and even exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, even though the abuse occurred more than 20 years ago, said Dr Chow.

New police figures also showed there were 2,566 cases of sexual assault in Singapore in 2025. This was an almost 10 per cent increase from the 2,340 cases in 2024.

The police said such cases included rape, sexual assault by penetration and outrage of modesty.

Mr Lee Rong Cheng, head of the crime psychology division at the Police Psychological Services Department, said: “Sexual assault is a deeply intrusive offence that violates one’s sense of safety.

“This trauma is exacerbated when perpetuated by a known person, especially a caregiver whom the young victim is dependent on, and when it occurs at the victim’s home, (which is) typically a person’s safe harbour.”

Mr Lee said young victims may exhibit behaviours such as emotional withdrawal, avoiding routine activities, or staying out late.

“These are survival strategies and attempts to cope rather than deliberate (acts of) misbehaviour,” he added.

Dr John Shepherd Lim, chief well-being officer of the Singapore Counselling Centre, said the increase in sexual assault cases could potentially just be the tip of the iceberg.

He said: “While the rise in cases could mean more victims are willing to come forward and have more avenues to do so, there is also the possibility the numbers do not fully reflect the situation as there will be cases that are likely to go unreported.”

Dr Lim said the reasons why victims do not tell on their perpetrator include them being groomed into believing that such sexual assaults are normal, or even “a sign of love”.

“Other victims could even experience the conflict of wanting to tell someone but not wanting to get their family member into trouble. In some cases, silence is not just a choice, but also a coping mechanism for the victim,” he said.

That was the case for Jane (not her real name), who was molested by her stepfather when she was 15.

Recounting the case, Dr Carol Balhetchet, a clinical psychologist, said Jane lived with her mother, stepfather and stepbrother in a one-room flat, where everyone slept on mattresses in the living room.

“At night, her stepfather would pat her to sleep, but one thing led to another and he began molesting her. This went on for a couple of months, but she did not tell anyone,” said Dr Balhetchet.

Jane’s case came to light when she was counselled after being caught for petty theft. Dr Balhetchet said: “The girl felt guilty for what happened, and even questioned if she had said or done something wrong to deserve the assault.”

Despite being counselled, Jane still struggled with trusting people and forming healthy relationships.

Dr Balhetchet added: “She struggled to feel safe at home again. And if you don’t feel safe in your own home, where else can you feel safe?”