Overview of the Case

In a shocking case unfolded in Singapore, a 26-year-old man was sentenced to 10 years and six weeks in prison for raping his former girlfriend, a crime he absurdly justified by claiming it was 'for her own good'. The incident, which took place in August 2021, highlights the dangers posed by abusive relationships and the alarming tendencies of some individuals to engage in victim-blaming.

Details of the Assault

Prosecutors revealed that the man ambushed the 20-year-old woman at her home after she had moved on from their tumultuous relationship. During the horrific assault, he violently slapped her and tried to shift the blame onto her, asking, 'Why do you have to make me do this?' Before sexually assaulting her, he disturbingly stated that she had 'asked for it'.

Post-Assault Behavior

Post-assault, he proposed rekindling their relationship, demonstrating a chilling lack of remorse. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was also handed nine strokes of the cane in addition to his lengthy prison term.

Victim's Background and Trauma

The victim, who had been dating the man since July 2020, ended their relationship in May 2021 due to escalating violence, which included physical abuse whenever he perceived her to be at fault. Despite her efforts to cut ties, he persisted in contacting her, even after she made it clear that she was moving on.

The Night of the Attack

On the night of the attack, the woman was living with her maternal relatives and did not disclose her troubled relationship with the man. When he confronted her at home, he forcibly kept her from calling for help, culminating in a violent assault that left her traumatized.

Aftermath and Reporting the Crime

Initially hesitant to contact authorities following the attack, the victim’s fear deepened when the man returned to her home in October 2021 under false pretenses. Sensing something was amiss, her aunt intervened, prompting the victim to finally report the incident to the police.

Psychological Impact

The aftermath of the attack was devastating for the young woman. She struggled to verbalize her feelings and was paralyzed by fear at the mere sight of individuals resembling her attacker. Her family's unawareness of the sexual assault compounded her distress, as she feared judgment and potential rejection from her family.

Legal Consequences for the Perpetrator

In a twist that illustrates his disregard for the law, the man tampered with his electronic monitoring tag while on bail, ultimately leading to further charges. His legal team defended him by highlighting his turbulent emotional state during the assault, attempting to portray his actions as impulsive rather than premeditated.

Societal Response and Justice

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of domestic abuse and the necessity of believing and supporting survivors. The authorities emphasized the need for societal change, urging individuals to speak out against such abhorrent behavior in order to protect and empower victims.

Conclusion

The sentence handed down to the man not only reflects the severity of his actions but also represents a step towards justice for survivors of sexual violence in Singapore and beyond.