Victims who are abused by their spouses are seeking help earlier.

Most of Pave's clients approach the agency within five years of getting married, compared to seven to 10 years in 2003.

Spousal violence victims and abusers are now better educated. The proportion of those holding above secondary-level qualifications jumped from 13 per cent to 33 per cent over the last 10 years.

More victims and abusers are commanding higher pay. Twelve per cent of Pave's clients earn more than $3,000 monthly compared to 5per cent 10 years ago.

An emerging trend is victims facing harassment when they wish to end their marriage.

Pave saw 46 such cases of harassment last year compared to "a handful" a decade ago. Most cases involve online and sexual harassment.

For example, some abusers stalk their victims on social networking sites. Others post intimate videos of their spouses online.

Get help

COURTS

You can apply for a personal protection order (PPO) against your spouse if you are physically abused. This will prevent the person from using or threatening to use violence.

POLICE

You can make a report to the police, or they can refer you to centres where you can get help.

HOTLINES OF FAMILY VIOLENCE SPECIALIST AGENCIES:

Pave: 6555-0390

Trans Safe Centre: 6449-9088

Care Corner Project Start: 6476-1482

Read also:
» Spousal abuse most common form of family violence in Singapore

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