Violence against women is one of the many pressing issues in Singapore. Shocking incidents of spousal abuse are reported every other day. One such case has sent shock waves across the little red dot.
A man named Mohamad Farali Khan Ismail Khan repeatedly assaulted his wife after she "nagged" him and accidentally called him by the wrong name.
The dispute escalated to such a level that the police had to intervene.
The drunk offender then went on to cursed at the officers and even passed sexually offensive comments on a female station inspector. He commented on the lady officer's body and said that her buttocks felt "so fluffy."
What happened next is perhaps justified.
Singapore Man Arrested For Assaulting Wife For 'Nagging' Him
The accused has been jailed for a year and fined S$4,000.
Farlali pleaded guilty to three charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to his wife, voluntarily causing hurt to her and insulting a public servant. The fourth charge of leaving his home during the "circuit breaker" period was considered in sentencing.
First case of abuse
Farali married the victim, a 52-year-old woman, in December 2019, and the first incident took place on the night of March 8, last year. The accused drank alcohol and argued with his wife. He claimed that she was nagging him and he hit her head thrice with his palm.
His atrocious behaviour went to the extent of intentionally hitting her hand, thus fracturing her index finger. He took his wife to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured finger and a head injury.
The hospital contacted the police that day informing them of a case of spousal abuse.
Second case of abuse
Farali didn't seem to mend his ways and he repeated the same offence a few months later. He drank alcohol before driving his wife to her godparents' home past midnight. The excuse at this time was to deliver home-cooked food to them.
As they left her godparents' home and were walking to the lift, the victim mistakenly called him by the name of her son from her first marriage. This infuriated Farali, and he slapped her face and pulled her by the hair.
He continued to pull her by the hair, causing her to hit the dustbin nearby. Without any remorse about what he did, Farali smoked a cigarette and drank from a can of beer that he had with him.
When a passerby asked the victim if she was okay, Farali asked him to go away. He said it was a "husband and wife issue." All this while, the victim remained silent. Ultimately, police arrived at the spot, after the victim's godbrother called for help.
Farali became agitated, and when he was arrested, he hurled Cantonese and Hokkien vulgarities at the female officer. As she held onto him, Farali said: "Eh, I can feel your a**, so fluffy," according to Deputy Public Prosecutor Gabriel Lim.
The prosecutor informed, "The amendment of the Penal Code served to provide greater protection to victims who are more vulnerable and susceptible to abuse and violence including in situations where parties are in positions of special trust."
This incident reminds us of the importance of standing up for somebody who may be going through this horror. If you or somebody you know is a victim of domestic violence or any physical assault, don't be silent. Nothing matters and is more valuable than your life and dignity.
Here are some ways to help you overcome your fear and come out.
How To Get Out Of An Physically Abusive Relationship
1. Once a beater, always a beater
If you are a victim of spousal abuse, the first thing which you need to do is accept what is happening to you is not normal. Don't remain in denial, it is not going to help you. You may have been living a great marital life till now, and your husband has lately started raising his hand.
Don't live with the hope that he will mend his ways and it was just a one-off incident. You need to stop living in a bubble thinking that "Things are fine" and consider the next steps.
2. Confide in others
You may hesitate to open up with your family members in such cases. But seek the help of your friends and colleagues, who can help you come out of this stressful scenario.
Allow others to approach you, don't distance yourself from getting help. Remember, you are the best person to help yourself.
3. Stop blaming yourself
You are not to responsible for the violence that is meted to you. Don't be critical because negative thoughts will shroud you and it will become more difficult for you to get out of this situation.
If you or your loved ones are a victim of spousal abuse, here are some helpline numbers that can provide help.
Singapore Helpline Numbers
1)The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
Tel: 1800-777 0000
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday, 24 hours
Here are some other helpline numbers which you can contact for help
2) AWARE: 1800 777 5555
3) Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221 4444
4) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
5) Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
If you suspect someone in your vicinity is a victim of physical assault, do not delay in calling for help by reporting to police or call 999 in cases of an immediate threat.
News Source: Channel News Asia
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