Over 1,900 higher-risk child abuse cases in 2025; 7 to 12-year-olds form largest group
A total of 1,917 higher-risk child abuse cases were investigated by the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) Protective Service in 2025, with majority of victims aged seven to 12.The incidence rate of such tier 2 child abuse cases — where victims are severely harmed or exposed to higher safety and risk concerns — remained low at 2.3 per 1,000 children.MSF published its annual Domestic Violence Trends Report on Thursday (Oct 29) which examined the overall domestic abuse problem in Singapore.In tier 2 child abuse cases, the ministry's intervention is required to keep victims safe through measures including placing a child under supervision, or removing a child from their home to be send to alternative care.In 2025, there were 969 tier 2 cases involving a child who was directly abused or neglected.Another 948 cases involved a child who was exposed to abuse.Most victims primarily suffered or witnessed physical abuse, according to the report, which highlighted the use of excessive physical force during discipline as one cause of tier 2 cases.