CASES of child abuse have been rising over the last four years.

Statistics from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), show the number of cases more than doubling.

In 2006, there were 57 cases. Last year, it was 118.

Last year’s figures are provisional. This means there could be even more of such cases but these are under investigation.

Mr Benny Bong, 52, president of The Society Against Family Violence, feels the higher numbers may not indicate an actual increase in abuse cases, but better reporting of them.

He said: “We are coming out of the closet a bit more and are not ignoring the problem so much.

“I feel we have become more vigilant as a society and there is greater awareness of child abuse perhaps because of media reports.”

Mr Alfred Tan, 50, executive director of the Children’s Society, said: “I think more people are aware now of what to do when they spot abuse.

“Schools also have more counsellors who can better spot abuse, so that could also be why there has been an increase.”

Compulsory education for all children born after 1996 also means that child abuse can no longer remain hidden.

The MCYS website includes these tips on how to help an abused child:
■ Make yourself easily accessible and available to the child.
■ Reassure and comfort the child.
■ Listen carefully and seriously to what the child is saying.
■ Do not pressure the child for details of the abuse.
■ Seek help immediately from a professional, such as the police, social workers or doctors.

To report suspected child abuse, call Child Protection Service (CPS) at 1800-7770000.