Number of Elder and Child Abuse Cases by Domestic Helpers Between 2015 and 2024

Question:

Miss Rachel Ong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each year from 2015 to 2024, how many cases of (i) elder abuse and (ii) child abuse by domestic helpers have taken place; (b) what are the penalties for such abuse cases; and (c) what is being done to reduce such abuse cases.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Police does not actively track the data that the Member asked for, so the data between 2015 and 2021 is not readily available. From 2022 to 2024, there were about 45 reported cases each year involving migrant domestic workers (MDWs) suspected of abusing their charges; of which about 30 cases involved a child, and 10 cases involved an elderly person whom they were caring for.

2. An MDW who abuses an elderly person or a child can be liable for an offence under the Penal Code or the Children and Young Persons Act. The maximum penalties for these offences range from two years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment. In addition, the Penal Code provides for enhanced punishments for certain offences committed against victims who are substantially unable to protect themselves from abuse (due to mental or physical infirmity, disability or incapacity), and minors below 14 years old.

3. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has measures in place to notify MDWs about Singapore’s laws. First-time MDWs and employers are guided on fostering relationships with each other through the Settling-In-Programme (SIP) and Employers’ Orientation Programme respectively. At the SIP, MDWs are educated about their responsibilities and the legal consequences for committing criminal offences, including those related to causing hurt to others. MOM also engages MDWs and their employers through social media and other outreach channels to provide resources aimed at helping MDWs better manage stress, communicate well with their employers and seek help if they are not coping well.