Why me? Did I cause it? Sexual assault survivors’ struggles

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Reported rape cases in Singapore increased from 230 to 261 in the first half of this year, with a notable rise in assaults involving victims under 16 and offenders known to the victims, often within families. Experts highlight that familial abuse leads to complex trauma and delayed reporting due to coercive control and disbelief, stressing the need for trauma-informed support and active bystander intervention.

An increase in sexual assault cases in Singapore has highlighted the complex and long-lasting challenges faced by survivors, particularly those abused by family members. According to police data released in August, reported rape cases rose from 230 in the first half of 2025 to 261 in the same period this year. The majority of these cases involve offenders known to the victims.

Statistics also show a concerning rise in sexual assault incidents involving victims under the age of 16. Police figures indicate that reported cases increased from 943 in 2024 to 1,031 in 2025. Within this group, assaults committed by family members or relatives rose from 169 cases in 2023 to 192 in 2025.

Advocacy groups and mental health professionals emphasize that survivors often experience self-blame and confusion about the abuse, questioning whether they caused or could have prevented it. Ruth Ng, principal social worker at AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre, attributes this response to a coercive control dynamic within abusive relationships. Such dynamics involve repeated patterns of abusive behavior that isolate victims by cutting them off from support networks, leading to a loss of autonomy and making it difficult for survivors to disclose abuse.

Ng explained that grooming behaviors—which may initially appear as acts of kindness, such as providing attention or gifts—are in fact predatory acts designed to facilitate abuse in secrecy. This often results in prolonged abuse, as victims, especially children, may not recognize inappropriate behavior or understand that it is wrong.

The impact of familial sexual abuse extends beyond the immediate trauma. John Shepherd Lim, chief well-being officer at the Singapore Counselling Centre, noted that survivors often struggle with feelings of betrayal, lost trust, shame, and confusion, all of which can delay reporting and recovery. The relationship between victim and perpetrator is frequently complicated, particularly when the abuser is a family member who remains part of the victim’s social environment.

Clinical psychologist Carol Balhetchet highlighted that disbelief from others compounds victims’ trauma, constituting a "second betrayal" that undermines their willingness to seek help. Ng recounted cases where family members dismissed allegations, causing additional emotional harm and prolonging victims’ silence.

A recent case exemplifying the severity of such abuse involved a 71-year-old man sentenced on Sept. 17 to 21 years in prison for sexually abusing 11 girls, including his daughter, nieces, and granddaughters over three decades. Some victims were as young as five years old.

Recovering from abuse often requires restoring victims’ sense of normalcy and safety, particularly for children, by engaging their immediate caregivers and support systems. Annabelle Dow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care and the growing availability of helplines and resources.

Experts urge bystanders and witnesses to play an active role in breaking the cycle of abuse by reporting incidents to the authorities while ensuring victims’ safety. Counselors advise against pressuring survivors to take immediate action, instead recommending offering support, respecting their readiness, and providing information on available options.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.