Protecting Singapore’s vulnerable: Dilemma for kids when abuser is kin

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It is hard for children who face abuse to come forward because more often than not, their abuser is a parent or a loved one, say experts.

In fact, enhanced penalties for abusers could backfire and instead turn victims away from reporting, said family therapist Evonne Lek, who works with abused children.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 21, 2019, with the headline Protecting Singapore’s vulnerable: Dilemma for kids when abuser is kin. Subscribe