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Forum: Share more data on spousal violence to strengthen protection

This forum letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 18 December 2025.

Written by Bharathi Manogaran.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s 2025 Domestic Violence Trends Report is a valuable step towards understanding the state of family violence in Singapore (More new cases of spousal, elder abuse in 2024 amid greater awareness of domestic violence, Dec 10). It provides detailed statistics on child, elder and vulnerable-adult abuse, broken down by gender, age group, type of abuse and even severity of cases.

Yet the section on spousal violence, one of the most common and socially significant forms of domestic abuse, remains surprisingly limited. We are told that new spousal abuse cases rose from 2,008 in 2023 to 2,136 in 2024, but little else.

There is no information on the gender of victims and perpetrators, the types of abuse involved, or how many cases were new or recurring. These data points are already collected by family service centres and protection specialist centres, yet they are not included.

Such details would not only improve public understanding but also strengthen prevention and policy design. Knowing, for instance, the proportion of women and men affected, the common age ranges, or the types of abuse most frequently reported—whether physical, emotional or financial—would help identify who is most at risk and where interventions should focus. Data on how many cases were repeat incidents or how they were referred (through police, hospitals or helplines) would also shed light on how well our systems detect danger early.

It would further strengthen the report to include information from the National Anti-Violence Hotline, which has become a key first point of disclosure for many survivors. Hotline data, such as the number of calls relating to spousal or dating violence, peak times and referral outcomes, would give a fuller picture of help-seeking behaviour and the real demand for services.

Comprehensive, transparent data helps everyone—not just policymakers or researchers, but also the social-service and mental-health professionals who support survivors daily. It enables better planning for shelters, counselling and legal aid, and builds public trust that our systems are responsive and evidence-driven.

Singapore has made important strides in tackling family violence. Sharing fuller data on spousal violence would deepen that progress, helping both the public and professionals work together for prevention and protection.

Bharathi Manogaran is the Deputy Executive Director at AWARE.

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash.

AWARE Centre Closure (23 Dec to 1 Jan) and WCC + SACC Closure (26 Jan to 30 Jan)

The AWARE centre, including Women’s Care Centre (WCC) and Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) helplines and services, will be closed during the year-end. Additionally, WCC and SACC will be closed in the last week of January 2026.

Details of closure are as follows:

AWARE Centre Closure (includes closure of all helplines and services)

  • 23 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026

Normal services will fully resume on Friday, 2 January 2026.

WCC and SACC:

  • 26 Jan 2026 – 30 Jan 2026.

Normal services for WCC and SACC will fully resume on Monday, 2 February 2026.

If you have experienced sexual assault within the last 72 hours, you may refer to this page for suggested actions.

If you require support, you may reach out to these alternatives:

  • National Anti-Violence Helpline (24-hour, for reporting of domestic and sexual violence): 1800 777 0000
  • Samaritans of Singapore (24-hour, for coping with self-harm or suicidal ideation):
  • IMH Helpline (24-hour, for mental health crisis): 6389 2222
  • ComCare Helpline (7am-12am, to locate your nearest Family Service Centre): 1800 222 0000
  • Care Corner Helpline (10am-10pm, for emotional support for Mandarin speakers): 1800 3535 800
  • Community Justice Centre (Mon-Fri, 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 20 minutes free legal information, walk ins only, first-come-first-serve basis)
  • Law Society Pro Bono Legal Clinic Services (Free legal information, appointments needed)
  • Police 999, Medical assistance 995 (If you or someone you know is in danger or has an emergency)

We seek your kind understanding and patience. Thank you, and we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.

Closure of WCC and SACC services (28 Oct to 29 Oct)

The Women’s Care Centre (WCC) and Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) helplines will be closed on 28 October to 29 October 2025.

Services for WCC and SACC will fully resume on Thursday, 30 October 2025.

If you have experienced sexual assault within the last 72 hours, you may refer to this page for suggested actions.

If you require support, you may reach out to these alternatives:

  • National Anti-Violence Helpline (24-hour, for reporting of domestic and sexual violence): 1800 777 0000
  • Samaritans of Singapore (24-hour, for coping with self-harm or suicidal ideation):
  • IMH Mindline (24-hour, for mental health crisis): 1771
  • ComCare Helpline (7am-12am, to locate your nearest Family Service Centre): 1800 222 0000
  • Care Corner Helpline (10am-10pm, for emotional support for Mandarin speakers): 1800 3535 800
  • Community Justice Centre (Mon-Fri, 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 20 minutes free legal information, walk ins only, first-come-first-serve basis)
  • Law Society Pro Bono Legal Clinic Services (Free legal information, appointments needed)
  • Police 999, Medical assistance 995 (If you or someone you know is in danger or has an emergency)

We seek your kind understanding and patience during this period.

2025 August closure dates for Women’s Care Centre and Sexual Assault Care Centre

The Women’s Care Centre (WCC) and Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) will be undergoing closure from 25 August to 29 August 2025.

Services for WCC and SACC will fully resume on Monday, 1 September 2025.

If you have experienced sexual assault within the last 72 hours, you may refer to this page for suggested actions.

If you require support, you may reach out to these alternatives:

  • National Anti-Violence Helpline (24-hour, for reporting of domestic and sexual violence): 1800 777 0000
  • Samaritans of Singapore (24-hour, for coping with self-harm or suicidal ideation):
  • IMH Mindline (24-hour, for mental health crisis): 1771
  • ComCare Helpline (7am-12am, to locate your nearest Family Service Centre): 1800 222 0000
  • Care Corner Helpline (10am-10pm, for emotional support for Mandarin speakers): 1800 3535 800
  • Community Justice Centre (Mon-Fri, 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 20 minutes free legal information, walk ins only, first-come-first-serve basis)
  • Law Society Pro Bono Legal Clinic Services (Free legal information, appointments needed)
  • Police 999, Medical assistance 995 (If you or someone you know is in danger or has an emergency)

We seek your kind understanding and patience during this period.

It’s our 40th Anniversary and you’re invited to the Mother of All Balls!

AWARE’s Annual Ball is back on Saturday, 25 October 2025, and we’re throwing the Mother of All Balls!

This year, we take a nod to the subversiveness of literal and metaphorical subcultures, where life continues to grow and emerge in all circumstances through subtle, powerful Mothers. From individuals who have built and nurtured safe communities amidst violence, to the microcosm of underground networks that spring to life after decay, join us in this explosive celebration as we celebrate the legacy of countless women who have built AWARE into a potent and galvanising force for change. 

Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025, 6:15pm till late
Venue: Island Ballroom, Shangri-La, Orchard Singapore
Dress Themes:

  • Mother of All ____ (you decide!)
  • Hidden Element(s)
  • Ballsy

Celebrating with you in wit and style are our hosts, Pam Oei and Andrew Marko, alongside director Selena Tan and writer Joel Tan, who will be bringing a sharp and cheeky performance to the stage for AWARE’s big 4-0. Crowd favourite and DJ icon Aldrin Quek will also be back on board with slick tunes to end off the night in grand fashion.

Book your table now | Donate

Why support the Mother of All Balls?

The Ball contributes to 20% of AWARE’s funding and keeps our work alive. We aim to raise $1 million to support critical services for women, and drive research, advocacy and education for a safer, more gender equal Singapore. Every table, seat, and donation supports our work in:

  • Support services, which help more than 5,000 women in need each year.
  • Advocacy work — some recent wins (to which we have contributed and celebrated) include increased parental leave, and improved legislation against family violence and workplace discrimination.
  • Engagement, development, and education of various communities with our training programmes to address sexual violence, workplace harassment and discrimination, and other pressing gender issues.

How to join the Mother of All Balls?

Join the Ball and support our work by booking tables and seats, or by making a donation:

  • Catalyst Table: $5,400 (with two bottles of wine)
  • Ally Table: $8,400 (with two bottles of wine, complimentary raffle tickets)
  • Champion Table: $12,400 (with three bottles of wine, VIP door gift, complimentary raffle tickets)
  • Trailblazer Table: $24,000 (with three bottles of wine, 1 bottle of champagne, VIP door gift, other special perks)

Individual seats are available for Catalyst, Ally and Champion Tables.

Early birds (first 20 tables) will also receive an additional complimentary bottle of wine. [ALL REDEEMED]

All purchases and donations will enjoy a 250% tax deduction, and your contribution will be 100% matched by Tote Board. Show your support by making a donation of any amount via the following ways:

  • Give.Asia
  • Scan the QR code or PayNow to UEN S85SS0089B (ASSOCIATION OF W F A A R)

Looking for Cash or In-Kind Sponsors

We are looking for cash or in-kind sponsors for our Silent Auction and Raffle. If you would like to support as a sponsor or refer your friends, please contact Bevin at ball@aware.org.sg.

We are hiring! Research Executive [FILLED]

Position: Researcher (Executive/Snr Executive)
Department: Advocacy and Research (AR)
Salary range: SGD$3,500 – 4,000
Term: Full-time
Starting date: 1 August 2025

Are you interested in helping to change the society we live in, to further gender equality in Singapore? Do you enjoy doing research and analysis? Do you want to advocate for change? If so, then we are looking for you!

AWARE wants to hire an organised and efficient individual with good research, analysis and writing skills to join our Advocacy and Research team (AR). The AR department develops and implements AWARE’s strategies for advocacy for legal, policy and social change.

The Researcher will support the operations of the department by carrying out research and policy analysis to support AWARE’s engagement with decision-makers, the public, the media and other stakeholders on legal, policy and social reform. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the cutting-edge work for equality and human rights which has been AWARE’s mission for nearly 40 years.

Reporting to the Director of AR, the Researcher will:

  • Carry out research, analysis and fact-finding in relation to laws, policies and practices to support AR’s policy advocacy activities, media work and long-term research projects
  • Supporting AWARE’s policy advocacy work through parliamentary monitoring
  • Assist in drafting and editing responses to advocacy documents including responses to government consultations, recommendations and position papers, and communications with policy-makers
  • Support the Communications Manager in implementing AWARE’s advocacy, research and communications plan as part of AWARE’s strategic plan, including press statements, op-eds, and media responses
  • Help build partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders in achieving AWARE’s goal of building a gender-equitable society
  • Participate actively as a member of AWARE’s advocacy team, e.g. through contribution to strategic and operational discussions, representing AWARE at relevant external events and meetings, and organising events related to research and advocacy goals

Preferred Candidate Profile

  • Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident
  • Minimum of at least 2 years of related experience, ideally in public policy and research, in project coordination, conducting primary and secondary research and analysis
  • Relevant degree, preferably in sociology, economics, history, law, politics, or other public policy-related field
  • Excellent research and analysis skills, and understanding of gender-related policies
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; good communications skills in Malay, Tamil and/or Mandarin are a plus
  • Strong understanding of general political and policy environment in Singapore
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to being a team player
  • Strong sense of initiative with good judgement to solve problems independently
  • Strong belief in gender equality, human rights and the values of AWARE

You must read and acknowledge our Privacy Statement here. Please also read our Data Protection Notice for Job Applicants.

Click here to submit your application.

Please note that, due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.

Exploring the intersections between gender, ageing and inequality at the Tsao Foundation panel

Sugidha Nithiananthan (second from the right) standing with fellow panelists at the Population Association of Singapore (PAS) 2025 Annual Meeting on 16 May. Photo courtesy of PAS.

This panel recap was written by the Population Association of Singapore, and was originally published on their website.

The Population Association of Singapore (PAS) held its third annual meeting from 15 to 16 May 2025 on the theme ‘Demography and Inequality: Intersecting Paths.’ As part of this conference, the Tsao Foundation, together with its partners from the Singapore Alliance for Women in Ageing (SAWA) hosted a panel on the theme ‘The Intersections between Gender, Ageing and Inequality’ on 16 May 2025.

The panel aimed to draw attention to how the intersection of gender and age throughout the life course results in gendered inequalities faced by women in old age; and the need for policies that recognise and address the intersection of gender, ageing and inequality.

Focusing on the intersection of gender and age at work, Dr Supriti Bezbaruah (on behalf of Ms Susana Harding, Senior Director, International Longevity Centre Singapore, Tsao Foundation) presented on ‘Ageing and Gender Intersectionality Evidence From a Cross-sectional Study of Mature and Older Singaporean Workers.’ Dr Bezbaruah used data from a survey of mature and older workers conducted by the Tsao Foundation in 2023-2024 that showed that female workers are significantly more likely to report age discrimination at work compared to males. Lower-income, older women (above 50 years) in particular, were most vulnerable to discrimination, underlining how intersections of age, gender and income can compound inequalities. However, no significant gender differences were found in selection and hiring practices. Gender was also not a significant factor influencing improvements in employment outcomes after training. Instead, other factors, such as perceptions of employability and informal learning had a greater impact on employment outcomes. The findings point to a two-fold approach to policy interventions. First, it is essential to address gender and age discrimination at work, through a combination of legislation, changes in workplace practices and cultures, and a focus on changing employer mindsets, among others. Second, training programmes must be paired with policies to address workplace discrimination. Furthermore, as training does not in itself guarantee better employment outcomes, there should be greater emphasis on encouraging informal learning and developing programmes that boost perceptions of ageing and employability. Interventions should focus on improving employment outcomes, not just completing training, which may require providing more tailored training programmes that address the specific needs of older women.

This was followed by a presentation by Ms Sugidha Nithiananthan, Director, Advocacy and Research, Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) on ‘The Lived Experience of Ageing Among Women: A Study on the Impact on Career, Financial Health and Mental Well-Being.’ The presentation outlined some of the main areas of concern of older women in Singapore, in response to the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development. Ms Nithiananthan explained how the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development, released in 2022 focused on younger women, and did not include targeted policies or initiatives for older women. In response, to understand older women’s concerns, SAWA held a series of focus group discussions with older women focusing on five core themes: workplace, caregiving, retirement adequacy, health and well-being, and community support and outreach. Based on the insights from the focus group discussions, SAWA presented a series of recommendations in each core area as outlined below.

While the first two presentations focused on the concerns of current cohorts of older women, Ms Koh Yan Ping, CEO, Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) turned the attention to the future, or ‘Tomorrow’s New Old: Singapore’s Future Cohort of Ageing.’ Ms Koh shared the findings of a study conducted by the SCWO on this group of individuals, in their 50s and turning 60-70 in 2030, who are part of the growing sandwich generation of Singaporeans who are simultaneously caring for parents and children. Considering their differing responsibilities and profiles (for instance, they are better educated than previous cohorts), their concerns and needs for old age are also different. The findings showed that Tomorrow’s New Old (TNOs) wished to retire and live independently but wished for more mental and emotional support in later age. They preferred flexible work arrangements and prioritised retirement preparedness and financial independence. Like the previous cohorts of older persons, they were also concerned about ageism at the workplace and wished to have more support and concerted action taken by employers. In terms of living arrangements and caregiving, the study found that TNOs were more open to community care facilities. Consequently, Ms Koh pointed out that policy interventions for the future cohorts of older persons would need to be different, with a greater emphasis on community support (such as community care facilities), support structures for mental and emotional wellbeing, and evolving workplace policies that offer older employees more flexible work arrangements and support for retirement preparedness.

The final presentation by Ms Sabariah Aris, Assistant Director of the PPIS Research & Engagement Department (RED), introduced another dimension to intersectionality through her session titled “Who Gets Left Behind? Understanding Inequality Through the Lens of Gender, Faith, and Ageing.” Ms Aris underscored the knowledge gap on the aspirations of Singapore Muslim women, which limits the development of targeted support initiatives for this group. Drawing on findings from PPIS’ Aspirations of Singapore Muslim Women Research, her presentation examined how the intersecting structures of gender, faith, and age produce cumulative disadvantage among Muslim women in Singapore. From early gendered expectations and caregiving responsibilities to cultural misrecognition and labour market exclusion, these factors intensify over time—culminating in economic insecurity, social isolation, and marginalisation in later life. The study challenges monolithic portrayals of Muslim women by highlighting their faith-aligned aspirations, professional aspirations, and desire for agency and recognition. The study also called for a life course and intersectional approach to social policy, as well as the need to design inclusive systems that reflect the diverse lived realities of those most at risk of being left behind.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion and open Q&A. The panellists discussed the challenges faced by the ageing population, especially women, in the workplace, the impact of the Workplace Fairness Act and the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), and the impact of caregiving responsibilities, particularly for women, on their careers and income and retirement security. The panellists explored the stereotypes and biases that presented challenges for women in the workplace, the need for employers to understand and effectively administer requests for FWAs, the importance of employers embracing and modelling best practices in relation to encouraging both men and women to undertake caregiving responsibilities, including utilising their full paternity leave, what would best motivate employers to take action on ageism and sexism in the workplace, and the role of men in addressing gender inequalities, among other issues. The panel concluded with the observation that these challenges are myriad and complex, and employers need to understand the value brought to their businesses when they address issues of age and sex discrimination in the workplace, and finally, that research and data is needed that verifies this.

Forum: Men’s mental health deserves a seat at the table—including at AWARE

This forum letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 9 June 2025.

Written by Bharathi Manogaran.

Every June, Men’s Mental Health Month comes and goes with too little noise in Singapore. In a society where boys are still told to “man up” and tears are a sign of weakness, the mental health struggles of men remain largely invisible.

To truly achieve a more equitable society, we must be prepared to have difficult, necessary conversations, including those about men’s mental health.

As a social worker who has worked with male perpetrators of interpersonal harm, I have seen how unresolved trauma issues, depression and substance misuse often lie beneath violent behaviour. Global studies suggest that between 25% and 60% of male perpetrators may struggle with mental health disorders. While mental illness is never an excuse for violence, this data underscores the urgent need to integrate mental health support into violence-prevention strategies, especially for boys and men raised to repress emotion and avoid help-seeking.

From 2019 to 2023, the number of suicides among men in Singapore was significantly higher than among women. Boys are less likely to seek help than girls. Mental disorders are now the leading cause of disability and death among children aged 10 to 14, according to a May 2025 study in The Lancet Public Health. And yet, we still struggle to talk openly about men’s emotional well-being.

The Netflix docuseries Adolescence has powerfully reignited this conversation. The show reveals how early boys are taught to suppress emotions, fear vulnerability and measure success through dominance. This isn’t just “boys being boys”—it’s the early formation of a mental health crisis.

At AWARE, we believe that patriarchy hurts everyone, and if we are serious about dismantling it, we must challenge not just the power structures that oppress women, but also the rigid gender expectations that harm men. It is with this hope and knowledge that we have embarked on running workshops focusing on masculinity for young men; understanding that gender justice is not just for women, but for all who are harmed by oppressive gender norms, including men, queer and trans individuals, and marginalised boys.

This is not about shifting resources away from women. It’s about recognising how rigid gender norms affect everyone; and building a society where care, vulnerability and healing are seen not as signs of weakness, but as essential parts of being human.

Bharathi Manogaran is the Deputy Executive Director at AWARE.

Forum: Furthering cause of gender equality goes beyond statistics

This forum letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 27 May 2025.

Written by Sugidha Nithiananthan.

We congratulate all appointees to the new Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 21, and all successful candidates in the 2025 General Election.

Out of the 97 elected MPs, 31 are women, which, at 32 per cent, breaks the 30 per cent barrier for the first time. And 25 per cent – 10 out of 40 – of the latest slate of political office-holders are women. This is an increase of one woman from the previous line-up.

Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles is important because the belief is that female leaders will drive progress and reform towards gender equality. Yet, there are instances where women in power have not taken the opportunity to champion equality.

For example, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher notably lacked female-friendly policies, and had no interest in childcare provision or positive action for women.

It is therefore important that while we strive for equal representation, such leaders should also espouse policies that reflect and promote gender equality.

Equal representation also matters from a legitimacy standpoint – those who govern should reflect the diversity of those they represent.

Furthering the cause of gender equality goes beyond statistics. It is about policies and outcomes. It is crucial for our refreshed set of leaders to deeply understand the root causes of gender inequality, so that they can actively challenge and transform them.

We need leaders, whatever their gender, who possess an understanding of the intersectionality of gender, race, age and class, and apply this lens when they engage with complex social issues such as reproductive rights, childcare policies, discrimination in the workplace and gender-based violence. These remain critical areas, and require continued and focused interventions.

Leadership on this front means partnering civil society to co-create inclusive policies, grounded in lived experiences and supported by gender-disaggregated data. By engaging communities directly and valuing the insights of those most affected – caregivers, survivors of violence and discrimination, low-income workers, and men navigating rigid gender roles – we can design systems that are more just, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of all.

We hope to see our new batch of leaders bring such an awareness and approach to their roles in Parliament and government, so that this truly translates to more equal policies for all.

Sugidha Nithiananthan is the Director of Advocacy and Research at AWARE.