A 26-year-old man was sentenced to 10 years and six weeks in jail along with nine strokes of the cane for raping his ex-girlfriend, highlighting the severe repercussions of domestic violence in Singapore. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, committed the crime after their breakup, illustrating a disturbing pattern of abusive behaviour during their relationship.
The Assault Incident
In August 2021, after the woman had told him she no longer wanted to communicate, the man confronted her at her home late at night. Let into the apartment by family members unaware of their breakup, he locked the door behind him and initiated a violent outburst when she attempted to block him on social media.
- The victim had previously expressed her desire to end all contact.
- During the assault, he slapped her repeatedly, asking, “Why do you have to make me do this?”
- Despite her pleas, he used physical force to rape her.
Prosecution’s Stance
Deputy Public Prosecutors Nicholas Khoo and Yeow Xuan described the man as a “violent abuser and despicable rapist,” emphasising his intent to assert dominance over the victim psychologically. They conveyed that his actions were motivated not just by anger but also by a deeply flawed sense of control and retribution.
The Aftermath
Post-incident, the victim struggled with severe emotional trauma, unable to verbalise her feelings for more than a year and feeling unsafe around people resembling her attacker. She did not initially report the crime due to fears of judgment from her family and worries about her safety.
Legal Consequences
In addition to the rape charge, the man faced further charges for voluntarily causing hurt and mischief after he tampered with his electronic monitoring device while on bail. After significant legal proceedings, he eventually pleaded guilty on 20 January 2024.
Defence Argument
His defence lawyers contended that his actions stemmed from “a highly turbulent emotional state” rather than premeditation. However, the prosecution countered that regardless of the emotional turmoil, the severity of the crime warranted a strong sentence.
Societal Reflection
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding domestic abuse, and the psychological manipulation often involved. Reflecting on such heinous acts can lead to broader discussions on the importance of support systems for victims and the need for comprehensive measures to combat domestic violence.