Religion & Spirituality
Assault on the Body Conference
If you’re thinking, “But this doesn’t happen in my church...”, then this conference is for you.
Many of us in gospel communities across Singapore assume that sexual assault doesn't happen in our churches. But the reality is—it does. Sexual assault incidents often go unspoken because victims don't realise they can speak up or simply don’t know who to turn to for help.
If you wouldn’t know what to do if someone confided in you about being sexually assaulted, this conference will help you learn how to respond as a safe first responder and how to help build a church culture where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.
This timely and important conference brings together advocates, theologians, pastors, and lay leaders to confront the realities of sexual assault within Christian communities. Through courageous conversation and collective action, we seek to break the silence on sexual assault, expose systemic harm, and work towards justice and healing.
The event will feature a keynote address and a multidisciplinary panel who will explore the wide-ranging impacts of sexual assault and appropriate institutional and pastoral responses. Participants will also have a choice of targeted workshops focusing on first responder training, establishing vital church structures and safeguarding policies, and protecting minors within church settings.
We'll also be launching the Chinese translation of Assault on the Body, a Christ-centred resource exploring the intersection of faith and sexual violence.
Chinese interpretation will be available throughout the event. 活动全程将提供中文翻译。
Join us in this vital work of truth-telling, healing, and transformation.
Sexual assault affects our Singapore church community more than we realise, and many of us genuinely want to help but feel uncertain about the best way to respond. This workshop equips participants with biblical, trauma-informed approaches that honour both survivors and Scripture. Participants will gain clarity on common misconceptions, learn practical ways to offer meaningful support, and discover how to prioritise survivor safety and dignity in their responses. This is one step toward creating spaces where survivors feel genuinely heard, believed, and supported as they begin their healing journey. When someone in the community needs support, participants will have the wisdom and tools to respond with both compassion and confidence, reflecting Christ's heart for restoration and justice.
Conducted by:
Dr Nicole Ong, Lecturer, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Raphael Zhang, Counsellor, Indigo & Co.
性侵事件确实存在，并且远比我们意识到的更为普遍，然而教会往往缺乏相关装备和训练，以致错失重要助人时机，又或者出现不当回应，导致幸存者及其家人产生不信任、选择隐瞒，甚至遭受二次伤害。本工作坊目标在于装备学员以合乎圣经、兼顾创伤知情的方式来回应性侵事件。
参与者将能够：
主讲人：
朱美娟博士，教务主任/副教授，新加坡神学院（辅导学系）
冯芸翎老师，华文课程讲师，新加坡神学院（辅导学系）
This workshop addresses the reality of sexual abuse within churches and moves beyond awareness to provide a practical framework for action. We will explore how to put in place proactive prevention policies, implement a trauma-informed response to support survivors, understand the critical role of the church in safeguarding its community, and build a church culture that is both safe and compassionate.
Conducted by:
Ps Jacob Ng, Pastor, Redemption Hill Church
Dara Chee, Redemption Hill Church
Every child deserves a safe space to grow in faith. This workshop equips church leaders, ministry workers, and volunteers with essential knowledge and practical tools to protect minors within church settings. Participants will learn about legal obligations, reporting procedures, confidentiality principles, and how to establish safeguards in children and youth ministries.
Conducted by:
Kee Poh Lu, Lead Social Worker
