Minister urges public to look out for cases of violence
What would you do if you saw this scene?
Elderly woman sweeps the HDB flat corridor while two younger women watch over her.
When she finishes sweeping, one of the women – said to be the old woman's daughter – slaps the left side of her face.
The old woman, visibly shaken, reaches out to steady herself. The younger woman then slaps the other side of her face.
Facebook user Apohtecky Numero posted a video of the alleged elder abuse, which has been viewed over half a million times by noon today (July 21).
After being informed about the video by his colleagues, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin urged the public to look out for instances of violence, saying such action was not justifiable.
"Hitting an old lady like this?! We will follow up and make sure that the elderly lady is protected. "There are vulnerable individuals out there...spousal abuse, child abuse, parental abuse and so on. While there can be altercations within families, there are some lines that should not be crossed."
He added that the Vulnerable Adults Act will be introduced at the end of this year.
"It will not solve all problems but it will be an important step forward to protect more of our citizens," Mr Tan added.
Earlier this year, then-MSF Minister Chan Chun Sing had said in Parliament that the government has to come in as "a last resort" to better support the families and the community when it comes to caring for vulnerable adults.
The Act will also cover adults who are incapable of protecting themselves from harm arising from abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
While Mr Tan feels the cases of violence and abuse from loved ones he comes across in MSF are not chronic, "it is always one case too many and for those affected, it is a terrible thing to happen".
Related report: MSF "looking into" alleged abuse video
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now