Better detection of child abuse cases by a host of agencies - from schools to hospitals - has resulted in more cases of serious abuse being investigated by the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) Child Protective Service (CPS).
Last year, the CPS received 2,022 reports and inquires about child abuse. Of this, it investigated 551 hat were instances of serious abuse. This was an increase of about 40 per cent over the period from 2012 to 2014, when it probed between about 380 and 400 cases of serious abuse a year, CPS director Carmelia Nathen told The Sunday Times.
Last year's 551 serious abuse cases included instances of rape and molestation, and serious injuries inflicted by a family member. While the CPS assesses all abuse reports received, it may refer the moderate and lower-risk cases to charities, designated as child protection specialist centres, and which are tasked with and equipped to handle such cases.
But for serious abuse, the CPS steps in and has the power to remove the child from the family if necessary - and keep the child away until it is satisfied that the parents have changed their violent ways. Ms Nathen said the CPS has improved its screening tools and processes. This has enabled those in the child protection system - from teachers to medical staff o social workers - to better spot abuse.
The training of such professionals has led to improved detection, management and reporting of abuse cases. It is also taking a more proactive approach by looking into some cases managed by professionals outside the ministry to ensure that these children are kept safe.
Overall, the cases can vary from babies who were shaken so violently that they suffered brain injuries, to teenagers molested by their fathers. The abuser - often a parent - comes from across all income and ethnic groups. In some instances, he is also mentally ill or addicted to some vice.
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