In 2025, about 33 per cent of sexual offence cases occurred in homes: Goh Pei Ming
Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming revealed in Parliament that sexual offence cases rose in 2025, with about 33 per cent occurring in residential premises, where offenders were often known to victims.
- Goh Pei Ming reported a rise in sexual offence cases in Singapore in 2025.
- About one-third of cases occurred in homes, often involving known offenders.
- Authorities are enhancing prevention, reporting, and victim support measures.
SINGAPORE: Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming said in Parliament on 8 April 2026 that rape and outrage of modesty cases in Singapore increased in 2025.
Rape cases rose by 78, from 401 in 2024 to 479 in 2025. Outrage of modesty cases increased by 104, from 1,427 to 1,531 over the same period.
The increase had earlier been flagged by the Singapore Police Force in February, with further contextual details disclosed during the parliamentary session.
Residential settings most common
Goh revealed that the majority of rape cases and more than half of outrage of modesty cases occurred in residential premises.
In 2025, about 33 per cent of all such cases took place in homes. Commercial premises accounted for 18 per cent, while 3 per cent occurred in educational institutions.
In residential settings, offenders were often known to victims, including current or former partners, household members and friends.
Stable trend of known offenders
Goh said the proportion of cases involving offenders known to victims has remained stable over the past five years.
The data was provided in response to parliamentary questions filed by Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee, who asked whether the increase in cases was driven primarily by known offenders and how incidents were distributed across different environments.
The figures indicate that while case numbers have risen, the overall pattern of relationships between victims and offenders has not significantly changed.
Targeted interventions across environments
Goh stated that the government takes a firm stance against all forms of sexual offending, with ministries implementing measures to prevent offences, encourage reporting and improve victim support.
In educational settings, students are taught to report concerns and seek help from trusted adults. This aims to strengthen early reporting and awareness.
In domestic settings, protection specialist centres and child protection specialist centres provide social and emotional support to victims of intra- and extra-familial violence, including sexual offences.
Support during investigations
Goh emphasised that victim care remains a priority during investigations.
Police provide victim care services when handling sexual offence cases, supporting individuals through the reporting and investigative process.
These measures are applied across all settings, reflecting a broader effort to address sexual violence and support victims regardless of where offences occur.
