SINGAPORE, April 4 -- More children were sexually assaulted in Singapore last year, with cases involving family members also increasing, police data shows.

Figures released to The Straits Times show 1,031 cases involving victims under 16 in 2025, up from 943 in 2024 and 998 in 2023.

Cases allegedly committed by family members or relatives rose to 192 in 2025, from 184 in 2024 and 169 in 2023.

Overall, police recorded 2,566 sexual assault cases in 2025, nearly 10 per cent higher than 2,340 the year before. The figures include rape, sexual assault by penetration and outrage of modesty.

Psychologists say the harm can be long-lasting - especially when the abuser is someone the child knows.

"Being sexually assaulted is already devastating...