On the 4th of July, Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, delivered a compelling speech during the Second Reading of the Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill. The proposed changes to this bill aim to protect children who have experienced abandonment, abuse, or neglect and ensure their obligation to their parents is handled with sensitivity and compassion.
One of the significant amendments in the bill seeks to require parents with records of abuse to obtain the tribunal’s permission before proceeding with any maintenance claims. Let’s delve into the implications of these proposed changes.
Protecting Survivors of Abuse
The Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill protects abuse survivors from unnecessary distress and painful memories when facing their abusive parents. Survivors of abuse often carry emotional scars that can last for years, and encountering their abusers during maintenance can trigger severe trauma. By requiring abusive parents to obtain the tribunal’s permission before making claims, the bill aims to shield survivors from further re-traumatization.
Effects of Childhood Abuse
Mr. Eric Chua emphasised the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse in his speech. Research has shown that exposure to reminders of past abuse can be as detrimental as the original abuse. The case mentioned by the Ministry involving a survivor who experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by her mother and stepfather exemplifies the profound impact of abuse on an individual’s life.
Despite the survivor’s achievements in education and employment, the scars of abuse still manifest in various aspects of her daily life. This case underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment for survivors and protecting them from potential harm caused by abusive parents through the maintenance process.
Empowering Survivors and Strengthening Support
The proposed amendments align with the efforts to empower survivors and strengthen the support provided to those who have experienced abuse or violence within their families. The Ministry of Social and Family Development ensures that the survivors’ healing process can progress without unnecessary setbacks by eliminating the risk of re-traumatisation.
Survivors need to feel secure and protected throughout the maintenance proceedings, and these amendments reinforce that commitment.
The Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding the well-being of children who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. By requiring parents with abuse records to seek permission from the tribunal before making maintenance claims, the bill ensures that survivors are protected from re-traumatization.
Moreover, it demonstrates the Singaporean government’s commitment to building a social security system based on self-reliance, strong families, and communities. While individual responsibility remains vital, the family is a fundamental pillar of support, especially for abuse survivors.