Women aged 30 to 49 make up most victims in Tier 1 spousal abuse cases

Tier 1 spousal abuse cases have continued to rise over the past two years. Women remain the majority of victims, but the number of cases involving men has increased. Of the 1,920 cases in 2025, more than half involved female victims aged 30 to 49.

The Domestic Violence Trends Report showed that there were 1,920 new Tier 1 spousal abuse cases last year, up by 49, or about 2.6%, from 1,871 in 2024. While the total has continued to rise from 1,560 in 2023, the rate of increase has slowed from 19.9% in 2024.

Of last year's cases, 1,629 were handled by Family Service Centres (FSCs). Another 291 were handled by Protection Specialist Centres, unchanged from the previous year. The report noted that this means more victims are approaching Family Service Centres for help, reducing the likelihood of risks escalating.

Spousal abuse cases are mainly handled by community agencies and classified as Tier 1 cases. Serious cases of child abuse and abuse of vulnerable adults fall under Tier 2 and require intervention by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Lorraine Lim, deputy chief executive officer of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), said in an interview that referrals to its domestic violence shelter, Star Shelter, had fallen by about 5% to 10%.

However, not all women who experience abuse choose to stay in a shelter. Since the emergency order came into effect last year, perpetrators can be required to leave the shared home for 14 days, while social workers draw up safety plans to keep victims safe.

Women were the victims in more than 80% of spousal abuse cases last year, or 1,583 cases. Women aged 30 to 39 accounted for the largest number at 579, followed by those aged 40 to 49 at 474 — an increase of 22 from the previous year. Cases involving women aged 60 to 69 also rose, from 70 the previous year to 92 last year.

Two crisis shelters that take in women told Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB) that most of those seeking shelter were aged 30 to 49. At Anglican Family Centre’s shelter, women in this age group made up the majority, with the oldest resident aged 60.

Lim said most women under the protection of domestic violence shelter Star Shelter were aged 30 to 49, with more in their second or third marriages, or in long-term relationships. “Relationship violence can occur at any stage of life and is not limited to first marriages or younger couples.”

Although men accounted for less than a fifth of spousal abuse cases, the number of cases involving male victims rose from 302 in 2024 to 337 last year. Cases involving men aged 40 to 49 increased by 28, from 81 in 2024 to 109 last year — the largest increase across all age groups.

Tee Hui Wen, head of Whispering Hearts FSC, said the centre had seen more men coming forward for help over family conflict and domestic violence. “The increase may reflect a combination of factors, including greater awareness that men can also experience domestic violence, and reduced stigma associated with help-seeking.”

Of the new cases, 1,226 involved physical abuse, making it the most common type of abuse. This was followed by 613 cases of emotional and psychological abuse, 70 cases of sexual abuse, and four cases of neglect. Seven cases involved other forms of abuse, including financial exploitation.

Theresa Wee, centre director at Anglican Family Centre, noted that emotional and psychological abuse is often invisible, and even victims may overlook its severity.

For example, Wee said, a victim whose husband exhibits highly controlling behaviour, such as forbidding her from working or contacting family and friends, may mistakenly believe that he is “protecting” her so she can focus on looking after the family.