Shocking Case of Brother's Betrayal: Teen Convicted for Sexual Assaulting His Own Sister

In a harrowing case that has stunned the Singaporean community, a teenager was convicted for sexually assaulting his younger sister on two separate occasions. The incidents began after the 14-year-old boy attended sexuality education classes at school in early 2020, igniting a troubling curiosity that led him to approach his then-13-year-old sister with inappropriate requests.

Initially, the girl resisted her brother's advances. However, after persistent pressure from him, she succumbed and ultimately performed a sexual act on him. This disturbing pattern of behavior continued into 2022 when the boy, now 16, again coerced his sister, who was by then 15 years old, to engage in similar acts.

Today, the now 19-year-old offender has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually penetrating his sister, who is now 17, and he remains unnamed to protect her identity due to a gag order. The legal proceedings have been ongoing, with the sentencing originally scheduled for January 9 but postponed to February 14.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Quek Lu Yi emphasized the gravity of the offenses, arguing that the accused had fundamentally violated the trust placed in him as an older brother. DPP Quek noted that given the serious nature of the crimes, probation would not be a viable option, calling instead for a report to evaluate the offender’s suitability for reformative training. Such training involves confinement in a center with a stringent regimen focused on rehabilitation, including physical drills and counseling.

Reports indicated that the younger sister felt helpless, not knowing how to articulate the inappropriate nature of their encounters, highlighting the emotional turmoil she endured. It wasn’t until she confided in a friend about the harassment that she finally found the courage to alert the police on March 22, 2022. Her brother was subsequently charged in court in 2024.

Disturbingly, statistics from The Straits Times reveal a troubling rise in sexual assault cases involving minors in Singapore. From January to November 2022 alone, there were 190 reported cases involving victims under the age of 16 who were allegedly abused by family members. This marks an increase from 153 cases in 2019, indicating a concerning trend that demands urgent attention.

A 2021 study at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital further underscores this crisis, showing that girls under 13 are more often victimized within their own homes by family members, predominantly male perpetrators.

As Singapore grapples with this alarming issue of familial sexual abuse, the question remains: How can society strengthen safeguards to protect our children from such heinous acts? With more awareness and education, we must strive to ensure that every child feels safe and empowered to speak up against abuse.