Public education measures to encourage reporting of sexual crimes

Questions:

Ms Sylvia Lim: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what proportion of the 227 recorded cases of outrage of modesty in the first half of 2026 within residential premises involved offenders who exploited positions of trust or power; (b) what proportion of these cases involved victims under the age of 16; and (c) whether the Police are considering further public education to encourage reporting in domestic contexts.

Answer:

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Police do not track the number of outrage of modesty cases involving offenders who exploited positions of trust or power.

2. Of the 227 recorded cases of outrage of modesty that occurred within residential premises in the first half of 2026, 38% of these cases involved victims under the age of 16.

3. The Government takes a serious view of sexual crimes. The Police have implemented various measures to raise awareness and to encourage reporting of such crimes. For instance, the Police work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools to raise students’ awareness of sexual crimes and to encourage students to report their concerns and seek help from trusted adults.

4. The Police have also launched an action protocol for people to respond to sexual crimes, including outrage of modesty. The key principles, are using the acronym S.P.O.T. First, S - to Spot it. Second, P - Protect the victim and oneself. Third, O - Observe key details and fourth, T - Tell the Police. Consistent with these principles, parents, siblings and other family members should remain attentive to changes in behaviour that may indicate a person is at risk or in need of support and apply this action protocol when appropriate.