Domestic Violence is a complex matter and requires a whole of society effort. There is a network of committed professionals who work together to keep vulnerable individuals and families safe. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is the lead agency for protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect in Singapore. MSF works closely with partners in the protection system such as the Police, schools, hospitals, Social Service Agencies, Prisons, Courts and Attorney-General’s Chambers to safeguard the interests and welfare of vulnerable individuals and families in Singapore.  

The extent and intrusiveness of interventions provided to vulnerable persons and their families are in relation to the severity of the safety and risk concerns presented. 

Cases with low safety and risk concerns are handled by community agencies. Families with low safety and risk concerns could face high levels of emotional and economic stress, which may adversely impact the vulnerable individual.  

Community agencies are the first line of support to detect and safeguard the safety and welfare of the vulnerable. Examples of these community agencies include schools, hospitals, polyclinics, Agency for Integrated Care, SG Enable, Silver Generation Office, Social Service Offices, Family Service Centres, Active Ageing Centres, Eldercare and Disability Services and other Social Service Agencies.  

Tier 1 Cases: Moderate Safety and Risk Concerns

Cases with moderate risk and safety concerns are supported by specialist agencies. These specialist agencies include the Child Protection Specialist Centres, Protection Specialist Centres, PAVE Integrated Services, Safe and Strong Families agencies, Pre-Family Guidance Order & Family Guidance Order agencies, Fostering Agencies, Children’s Homes and Crisis Shelters.  

Tier 2 Cases: High Safety and Risk Concerns

Cases with high safety and risk concerns would require statutory intervention, overseen by MSF’s Protective Service. Generally, these cases may warrant more intrusive intervention such as the removal of a child or Vulnerable Adult to keep the individual safe. For example, severe injuries such as burns or fractures have been inflicted on the individual by the parent or caregiver. 

MSF’s Protective Service (PSV)* provides statutory intervention for children, Vulnerable Adults experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect, and egregious cases of Family Violence with imminent danger. 

To support vulnerable individuals and families experiencing Domestic Violence, MSF also provides funding to Social Service Agencies such as Crisis Shelters, Child Protection Specialist Centres, Protection Specialist Centres, PAVE Integrated Services and agencies conducting the Mandatory Counselling Programme**. 

More information on the Protection System in Singapore is found in the following links:  

• Child Protective System
• Adult Protective System

MSF works closely with community partners to strengthen support for survivors of Domestic Violence. All of us have a collective responsibility to keep Domestic Violence survivors safe and empower both survivors and perpetrators to come forward.