To say that the pandemic has been challenging for most, would be a gross understatement. It’s been monumentally difficult for some and opened a can of worms in many cases.
It has also brought about a sharp spike in domestic violence cases. In fact, two weeks after Singapore went into lockdown on April 7, 2020, there was a 37 per cent jump in hotline calls to Family Violence Specialist Centers, a CNN report states. That’s an alarming number and these are only the cases that have been reported.
Sadly, for the mum of an 11-year-old girl, this has been her reality. And now she is appealing for family support from Singapore.
Met With An Accident When She Was Six Months Pregnant
Image courtesy: iStock
The 40-year-old Mages got into a motorbike accident in 2010 when she was six months pregnant. While her child was safe, it left permanent pain on her right foot and ankle. Although she can still walk, her pace is slower than normal. Mages experiences acute worsening of the pain frequently, which limits her function.
Following the accident, just as Mages was trying to adjust to her life, she was hit by another blow.
In 2012, Mages lost her husband and her struggle to support her daughter solely began. She knew that she had to bring food to the table for which she needed to work.
She completed her WSG certification in nursing and started working in a local hospital. But fate had some other plans as she couldn’t continue working.
She had to go through surgery for her leg injuries. But since she couldn’t afford to remain jobless for long, she found herself a job as a retail staff in a convenience store.
She continues to work in the same company since 2015.
Abusive Second Husband
Mages then met her second husband and they registered their marriage in March 2020. However, little did she expect that it will be the start of her nightmare.
Frequent episodes of abuse followed ever since she got married.
Her Malaysian husband who worked as an assistant delivery driver, couldn’t sustain a regular employer. So there was zero contribution from his side towards the family.
Furthermore, her husband’s drinking habits led to frequent physical and verbal abuse towards Mages and her daughter.
Campaign To Help Collect Funds For Mages
Image courtesy: Ray of Hope
While Mages is trying her best to manage the situation, she only brings home a little over $700 every month due to her leg condition. In spite of the acute pain in her right leg, she has been working overtime. This is to pay her bills and avoid falling into a debt cycle. But her monthly salary is still insufficient to feed the family.
The mum is trying to proactively seek assistance and support from the Lifelong Learning Institute to upgrade herself for better job prospects. Mages is working with Ray of Hope, a crowdfunding charity group, to collect funds.
Note: Singapore provides public and social assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities and low-income families. Mages is not receiving any social assistance.
The campaign aims to raise $3,600 ($600 x 6 months) to pay her grocery expenses for the next six months, while she can work on up-skilling. The organisation has helped raised about $2,855 so far (as of October 1, 2021).
If you wish to help Mages and offer her family support in Singapore, you can donate here.
3 Family Support Singapore Services To Contact For Domestic Abuse
Image courtesy: File Photo
If you are in a similar situation or know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse, here are some helpline numbers in Singapore for you to contact.
- Help Family Service: Phone: 6457 5188
- MWS Family Support Programme: Phone: 6786 5635
- Care Corner Family Service Centre (Tampines)” Phone: 6786 6225
- The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres: Phone: 6312 8100
- Punggol Family Service Centre, Phone: 6435 5323
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