Families are the bedrock of society. Domestic violence offends our fundamental values as a society and must not be condoned. The Government remains strongly committed to protecting victim-survivors of domestic violence and rehabilitating perpetrators.
The Report highlights key trends on child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, and Vulnerable Adult abuse and self-neglect cases. Cases are presented by Tier 1 (low- to moderate-risk cases, overseen by community agencies) and Tier 2 (high-risk cases, overseen by MSF’s Protective Service which require statutory intervention).
From 2023 to 2024, the total number of new Tier 1 cases and Tier 2 cases increased by about 14%. This upward trend was driven primarily by increases in child abuse and spousal abuse cases. Conversely, new Tier 2 elderly Vulnerable Adult abuse cases decreased by about 10% and new Tier 2 Vulnerable Adult self-neglect cases decreased by 50% from 2023 to 2024.
This increase in child abuse and spousal abuse cases reflects greater awareness and a growing willingness by victim-survivors, their families and the public to report domestic violence. This has enabled more individuals to access support earlier, reducing the likelihood of cases remaining hidden or escalating in risk severity. Sustained awareness efforts, stronger legal protection, and comprehensive support services have likely contributed to this trend. Reported cases are expected to remain elevated in the medium term, in line with ongoing improvements in detection and reporting, before stabilising over the longer term.
MSF will continue to act decisively to prevent and address domestic violence. Through our collective effort as a society, we will strengthen families and break the cycle of violence.
Read the full Domestic Violence Trends Report 2025 here.
The Domestic Violence Trends Report 2024 published last year can be accessed here.