Ai Generated , Hope this helps ,
in
Singapore, acts such as
child abuse, humiliation, neglect, or exploitation are treated very seriously and are covered under
several key laws, not just one.
Here's a clear breakdown
Main Laws That Cover Child Abuse & Related Acts
(a) Penal Code 1871 (Cap. 224)
Under the
Penal Code, child abuse can fall under various offences depending on the nature of the act:
- Section 319–326 – Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to a child.
- Section 354, 354A, 376A–376E – Sexual offences (outrage of modesty, sexual assault, etc.).
- Section 323 read with Section 73 – Enhanced punishment if the victim is a child or a person under one’s care.
- Section 498A – Ill-treatment by those having care of a child (e.g. parents, guardians, caregivers).
(b) Children and Young Persons Act 1993 (CYPA)
This is the
main protective law for minors in Singapore.
- “Child” = a person below 14 years old
- “Young person” = a person 14 years or above but below 18 years old
Key sections:
- Section 5 – Defines child abuse, neglect, or ill-treatment.
- Section 6 – Makes it an offence for any person who has custody, charge, or care of a child/young person to ill-treat, neglect, abandon, or expose them to danger.
- Section 7 – Criminalises exploitation for pornography or prostitution.
- Section 8–10 – Deals with protection orders, removal, and supervision by the Director-General of Social Welfare.
(c) Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA)
- Covers child humiliation, bullying, or psychological abuse, including online acts.
- Protects any person, including minors, from harassment or emotional harm.
- Victims (or parents on behalf of children) can apply for Protection Orders.
(d) Women’s Charter 1961 (for family violence)
- Defines and prohibits family violence, including acts that harm or cause fear in a child.
- Allows the Family Court to issue a Personal Protection Order (PPO) for minors.
Classification
So in Singapore:
- Physical or sexual harm → Penal Code offences
- Neglect, ill-treatment, humiliation, or exploitation → CYPA offences
- Emotional/psychological harm → CYPA or POHA
- Domestic setting abuse → Women’s Charter (family violence)
Definition of a “Child” (by law)
| Law | Definition of “Child” | Definition of “Young Person” |
|---|
| Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) | Below 14 years | 14 to below 18 years |
| Penal Code | Often below 16 or 18 (depends on offence) | — |
| Women’s Charter (family violence) | Below 21 (if unmarried) | — |