President Halimah Yacob wants “more to be done” to protect young girls from paedophiles – beyond Singapore’s legal framework. She said that longer jail terms for sexual offenders passed in the Parliament are “badly needed,” but there has to be something more to curb sexual predators at home.
In a Facebook post shared on September 14, the President said, “My stomach churns every time I read about convicted paedophiles who rape young and defenceless girls, often within the premises of the home, which is supposed to be a safe haven.”
She addressed the issue of girl safety tips and said that little girls need to know that it’s safe for them to talk to others about adult behaviours they are uncomfortable with.
Parliament Passes New Legislation Keeping Girl Safety Tips in Mind
Image courtesy: File Photo
The Singapore Parliament recently passed legislation to roll out stricter punishments for several sexual offences including:
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor who is between the age of 14 and 16 or causing them to view a sexual image
- For similar offences done against minors between the age of 16 and 18, where the offender is in an exploitative relationship with the minor.
The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill passed will increase the maximum jail term for the above-mentioned offences to two years.
But this legislation will come into the application only if the rape is reported, mentioned Madam Halimah. She further added that she was unsure how effective the existing programmes are against sexual predation at home.
The new law same into place after three paedophiles were convicted and sentenced this year.
Three Paedophiles Convicted And Sentenced In 2021
Image courtesy: File Photo
The cases are as follows:
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- A 24-years-old man was sentenced for raping a 15-year-old girl and preying on other victims, including a former schoolmate.
- A 44-year-old man who raped his daughter for over seven years, ever since she was as young as three.
- A 71-year-old step-granddad who raped his step-granddaughter since she was nine-years-old.
Of these three convictions, Madam President highlighted that two cases were revealed only when people in close contact with the victims reported the crime. She further mentioned that these cases are possibly “just the” tip of the iceberg.”
“They Should Know It Is Safe To Talk To Others:” Madam President
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President Halimah urged that girls need to know that it is safe for them to reach out to others when they suspect something wrong in adult behaviour.
She added, “There are some programmes that are in place, but I am not sure, how effective they are considering when sexual predation takes place within the comfort of the home.”
A paedophile might use tools like fear, shame, intimation to trap and manipulate the victim. Furthermore, even after the offender walks freely after serving his term, the child will remain trapped in pain, from the psychological trauma that may continue to last a lifetime.
Currently, Singapore doesn’t allow canning convicted people who are above the age of 50 years. The court can instead impose an additional jail term of up to 12 months if need be.
Serious Sex Offenders Should To Caned Regardless Of Age: Murali Pillai
Speaking at the Parliament, MP Murali Pillai, Bukit Batok suggested that serious sexual offenders over the age of 50 years should be eligible for caning.
He said that keeping in line with the aims of the Bill to protect women, children, and vulnerable people from sexual predators, there shouldn’t be an age limit to caning as a form of punishment.
Instead, it should be seen, if the person is fit to be caned. If yes, then there should not be an impediment.
Minister K Shanmugam however, felt that there is no reason to up the age limit for caning. He cited that number of men over the age of 50, who were arrested for serious crimes that attract caning. Their numbers are often significantly lower, he stated.
While the laws are in place, it is important that we educate our girls to stay safe. Here are some basic awareness tips that every parent must teach their daughter.
5 Girl Safety Tips You Must Teach Your Daughters
- Be aware of your surroundings: If you feel unsafe, immediately get out of the place.
- Always trust your instincts and gut feelings: There may be some alarm or signs to tell you that all is just not okay. It is quite possible that you may not be able to understand it or analyse it consciously, but never ignore them.
- Precautions to take while driving: Don’t give lifts to strangers and avoid parking in desolate areas. Also, don’t go for shorter routes late in the night.
- Share with others: If you are a victim of sexual abuse, it is very important to open up and share with others. Don’t keep it to yourself because it is okay to seek help.
- Download safety apps on your mobile phones: These safety apps can send an alert to your friends and family, in case of danger. Also, you can carry pepper spray or any sharp objects which you can if you can sense danger.
Lastly, there are some helpline numbers in Singapore, which you can contact for immediate help
- Police – 999
- AWARE Helpline – 1800 777 5555
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
Stay safe and stay alert!
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