SINGAPORE –

In a harrowing case that has stunned the community, a father was sentenced to 65 months and four weeks in prison for the sexual abuse of his intellectually disabled daughter, who was just 11 years old at the time of the assaults.

The abuse began in 2018 and continued for three devastating years until the young victim bravely revealed her situation to her foster parents, prompting them to contact authorities. The man, now 55 years old, faced multiple charges, including using criminal force that led to the outrage of modesty and specifically targeting a victim under the age of 14.

Due to a gag order in place to protect the identity of the daughter, the father's name has not been disclosed. Notably, he is above the age of 50, which exempts him from caning—a common form of punishment for such crimes in Singapore.

During the trial, it was revealed that the victim had been too fearful of her father's advances to resist him, having previously witnessed him physically assaulting her mother. The family dynamics were troubling—the couple had married in 2006 and had two daughters while living in close quarters, with all members sharing the same bedroom.

The chilling details of the assaults painted a picture of calculated violation. On numerous occasions, the father would wait until the household was asleep to approach his daughter, where he would then carry out acts of molestation while she lay on a mattress far from him. Disturbingly, he sexually assaulted her while she was asleep during one incident in December 2020.

The truth emerged only in 2023, when the victim, having since been placed in a foster home following her parents' separation, finally summoned the courage to disclose her father's actions. Her foster parents acted quickly, notifying the child's protection officer on March 9, 2023, ensuring that the case reached the courts.

In sentencing, District Judge Crystal Tan emphasized the need for both general and specific deterrence, noting that the accused claimed he was unaware of his daughter’s disabilities at the time of the incidents. The law regarding such offenses is strict, holding that those convicted of outrage of modesty can face significant jail time, fines, or caning, with harsher sentencing for attacks against minors.

As society grapples with this tragic case, many are left questioning how such horrors could transpire in a home meant for safety and love. The community calls for greater awareness and prevention measures to protect vulnerable individuals from similar fates. The plight of this young girl shines a spotlight on the urgent need for systemic reforms in child protection and support for victims of abuse.

Stay informed, and let’s unite to prevent such horrifying incidents from happening again.