Workplaces can and should step up to tackle domestic abuse

VIOLENCE against women is an issue that demands our attention. Globally, the statistics are staggering. According to the World Health Organization’s “violence against women prevalence estimates” report, one in three women face some form of violence from an intimate partner or someone they know. This figure in Singapore stands at approximately three in 10, highlighting the urgent need for action in our society.

Despite these alarming numbers, many cases remain unreported, leaving countless victims without support. Research from the International Violence Against Women Survey shows that with every person who reports violence, there are three others who choose not to for various reasons, including the stigma and shame associated with their abuse.

It is also notable that even with these findings, the survey focused only on physical and sexual violence, excluding emotional, intimidation, psychological, and verbal abuse. When viewing violence against women as a whole, this means that the number of unreported cases is definitely far higher.