With the rise of domestic violence cases among families in Singapore, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) launches a 24-hour family violence helpline. With this helpline the aim is to support those suffering from abuse and neglect.
The MSF helpline contact number was launched on Tuesday (February 23, 2021) as part of the next step of preventing further domestic violence and abuse across the island.
Use MSF Helpline To Report Suspected Domestic Violence In Singapore
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The National Anti-Violence Helpline (NAVH) aims to make the process of seeking help easier for victims of abuse, without having to navigate through multiple helpline numbers.
- This helpline will be accessible to the public year-round from Monday to Sunday and will be operating for 24-hours each day. This is to ensure that anyone in danger of violence or neglect can report their situation anytime.
- DHL customer service officers and social service professionals from Montfort Care will man the helpline. To learn how they can respond to reports of domestic abuse, these DHL customer service officers have been given training for a week with MSF’s Child Protective Service as well as Adult Protective Service.
- To further support victims of family violence and ensure the safety of the public, MSF trained professionals in the community will use the Sector Specific Screening Guide (SSSG) and Child Abuse Reporting Guide to better prepare for any suspected cases.
When reporting suspected violence and abuse, you can call the MSF contact number of NAVH at 1800 777-0000.
Dealing With Family Violence And How You Can Seek Help
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When reporting suspected domestic abuse cases, the MSF provided the information that would be helpful and is essential:
- Describe the victim’s injuries as well as the abuse and neglect they’ve experienced
- Identify the site where the abuse took place
- When and how you found out about the abuse
- The victim’s name, age, and address
- The alleged abuser’s name, age, and relationship with the victim
- Your own name and contact details
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If you or anyone else you know is suffering from domestic abuse, you can report to the police or call 999 in cases of an immediate threat. You can also contact your nearest Family Service Centre or call other helplines as listed below:
- NAVH: 1800 777 0000
- AWARE: 1800 777 5555
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221 4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Together we can work towards creating a safer world for everybody and with this new helpline, there is higher hope of that happening.
Source: The Straits Times
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