What adults can do to tackle sexual abuse of children

Create an environment where victims feel safe and supported enough to report abuse: Experts

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All adults who interact with children have a part to play in preventing them from being sexually abused, said the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

Whether it is across schools or social service agencies, or in the context of families, adults have a role in creating an environment where children feel safe and supported enough to tell someone if they are being sexually abused, said Ms Pooja Hemanth, principal clinical psychologist and assistant director at MSF's Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service.

"Being aware of child sexual abuse, and that it happens to both boys and girls, is a good first step," she said.

A study she led that looked at 252 cases of child sexual abuse in Singapore found that several factors were more likely to delay such cases from coming to light, like when the perpetrators are family members, or the victim's age when the first incident of abuse happened.

Education to prevent such abuse should be carried out from the preschool years, said Ms Lin Xiaoling, director and group lead of research and advocacy at Singapore Children's Society.

Children who have been taught body safety will be more likely to recognise inappropriate actions and tell someone about abuse, she added.

Such skills include knowing the anatomically correct terms of their private body parts, differentiating between right and wrong actions, and knowing how to seek help.