Spotting the Unseen: How Parents & Professionals Can Recognise Child Abuse, and What to Do Next

Child abuse is one of the most heartbreaking realities of our society, and yet, it often hides in plain sight. Many children who experience abuse do not have visible bruises or scars. The signs are frequently emotional, behavioural, or subtle changes that can be mistaken for “bad behaviour” or “moodiness.”

In Singapore, where family harmony and academic achievement are highly valued, conversations about abuse can be uncomfortable, but they are absolutely necessary. Recognising the warning signs early can change a child’s life.

Understanding Child Abuse in the Singapore Context

Under Singapore’s Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA), abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reports that emotional and neglect-related cases are increasingly being identified, reflecting greater awareness and willingness to report.

Abuse is not limited to violence. It can include:

• Constant criticism, humiliation, or rejection

• Exposure to domestic violence

• Being left alone for long periods without supervision

• Inappropriate touching or exposure to sexual material

• Excessive control or isolation

Subtle Signs That a Child May Be in Distress

Recognising abuse isn’t always straightforward. Here are some red flags that parents, teachers, and professionals should be aware of:

1. Emotional and Behavioural Changes

• Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or excessive clinginess

• Outbursts of anger or aggression

• Loss of interest in play or school activities

• Regression (e.g. bedwetting, thumb-sucking, baby talk)

• Fear of going home or fear of a specific adult

2. Physical Indicators

• Frequent, unexplained injuries or bruises

• Wearing long sleeves in hot weather to cover marks

• Poor hygiene or signs of malnutrition

3. Developmental and Academic Signs

• Decline in school performance

• Difficulty concentrating

• Delayed language or social skills

4. Sexualised Behaviour or Knowledge

• Using sexual language inappropriate for their age

• Avoiding physical contact or becoming overly sexualised in play

What Parents and Professionals Can Do

If you suspect abuse, the most important thing is not to ignore your instincts.

1. Listen, Don’t LeadIf a child shares something with you, stay calm. Avoid asking leading questions like “Did your dad do that?” Instead, use open-ended questions such as “Can you tell me more about what happened?”

2. Offer Safety and ReassuranceLet the child know they are not in trouble and that you believe them. Never promise secrecy; instead, explain that you may need to share what they said with someone who can help keep them safe.

3. Report Your ConcernsIn Singapore, suspected cases can be reported to:

• MSF’s Child Protective Service (24-hour hotline: 1800 777 0000)

• Singapore Police Force (999) in emergencies

• SAFE@MSF (for family violence)

For professionals such as teachers, counsellors, or therapists, it is a duty of care to report any suspicion of abuse.

How Play Therapy Can Help Children Recover

Children often cannot articulate trauma in words. This is where play therapy becomes a powerful and sensitive tool for healing.

In a safe, structured environment, children use toys, art, and storytelling to express feelings that may be too confusing or painful to verbalise. Through play, a trained therapist can observe themes, emotions, and interactions that reveal the child’s internal world.

Benefits of Play Therapy for Abused or Neglected Children:

• Emotional Release: Helps children express anger, fear, and sadness in healthy ways.

• Restoration of Control: Allows the child to make choices in a safe space, counteracting feelings of helplessness.

• Building Trust: The therapeutic relationship models safety and consistency.

• Integration of Trauma: Helps children process painful experiences symbolically through play, making them less overwhelming.

• Improved Relationships: Over time, children learn to regulate emotions and reconnect with parents or caregivers.

At Play Therapy by Therapy Inc, our therapists are trained to work gently with children who have experienced trauma or family conflict. Sessions are paced according to each child’s readiness, ensuring that the therapeutic process is both nurturing and non-invasive.

A Community Responsibility

Protecting children is not just the job of parents or teachers; it is a collective duty. Every adult can make a difference by being observant, informed, and responsive.

If something feels off, say something. Your call might be the one that keeps a child safe.

If You Need Help

If you are worried about a child in Singapore, you can reach out to:

• MSF Child Protective Service: 1800 777 0000

• SAFE@MSF: 1800 699 3542

• Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre: 6445 0400

• HEART@Fei Yue: 6819 9170

Do you think your Teen or Child could benefit from therapy? Speak to a qualified Play therapist to learn how your Teen or Child could benefit from play therapy, Click here to get in touch today, or if you want to know if Play Therapy could be suitable for your Teen or Child, click here to take our quiz!