Singapore expands child protection team as abuse cases surge

Singapore has significantly expanded its emergency response capacity to combat domestic violence and child abuse, deploying its Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team (DVERT) across the country. The nationwide rollout comes as authorities report a substantial increase in cases requiring urgent intervention.

DVERT handled 1,439 cases in 2025, more than double the 675 cases recorded in the previous year, reflecting either increased reporting or a worsening trend in domestic violence incidents. The surge in caseload prompted authorities to strengthen the team's nationwide presence to ensure rapid response and victim protection.

During 2025, authorities issued 1,151 emergency orders as part of their protective measures. These orders include provisions requiring alleged perpetrators to vacate the family home and restricting contact with victims, giving authorities legal tools to separate vulnerable individuals from potential harm.

The expansion of DVERT's operations represents a key component of Singapore's approach to addressing domestic violence and protecting at-risk populations, particularly children. The significant increase in emergency interventions underscores the growing demand for rapid-response services in this critical area of public safety.