For nearly five years, John, a 33-year-old awaiting sentencing for a sexual offence, has been living in uncertainty. During this period, he has engaged in therapy at the Centre for Psychotherapy (C4P), confronting his pornography addiction, acknowledging the harm caused, and preparing for his sentence. “It gave me hope,” he told CNA.
John's experience reflects a growing trend in Singapore's criminal justice system, where courts increasingly refer individuals charged with offences to counselling and mental health support before sentencing. Melissa Zehnder, a senior counsellor at C4P, described this as "a very pivotal moment for any person who is justice involved."
The initiative has expanded to include 19 community partners such as C4P, the Agency for Integrated Care, Family Service Centres, Silver Ribbon Singapore, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Adult Protective Service and Child Protective Service. Senior court social worker Natalie Tan highlighted that providing support before sentencing enables rehabilitation to start sooner.
According to the centre, only five participants have reoffended so far, indicating a recidivism rate of less than 5 percent.
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