Outrage of Modesty

Information and tips to protect yourself from outrage of modesty.

Last updated on 14 September 2026

The imagery depicts an incident of molestation or sexual harassment occurring in a crowded public space while someone calls for emergency assistance.

Outrage of Modesty or Molestation, is a serious crime which is terrifying and a traumatizing experience for the victims. These opportunistic crimes can take place anywhere and at anytime, as the perpetrators may strike in the cover of a crowd or at secluded places where the victims are alone.

How it can happen

At lifts, corridors, dark and quiet places.
On public transport, e.g. buses, MRT trains, etc.
Crowded places, e.g. concerts, public entertainment night spots etc.

Crime Prevention Tips

Be alert and attentive to your surroundings, especially when you are in a crowded place for example in night spots, MRT or buses or in a confined space like in a lift, room, etc.
If someone rushes into the lift at the last minute and you are alone, the safer thing to do would be to step out and take the next one. If the person also steps out of the lift, then quickly walk away to a more crowded area and seek help.
If someone is following you, head to a crowded area if possible; if someone moves uncomfortably close to you (e.g. someone deliberately stands or sits close to you in a bus or MRT), move away by changing seats or seeking help from the bus driver or other commuters.
If you are going out at night, best to be out in a group or get someone (parent, close friend) to meet you at the station or bus stop, etc especially when it is late at night.
Avoid letting your young children wander around alone, teach them to be wary and move away from strangers who try to get close to or touch them or simply trying to talk to them. Remind them about “Stranger Danger” and not to speak to strangers and to seek help immediately from their teachers or friends or to approach a trusted adult like bus driver, MRT station staff, etc.
Consider getting a shrill alarm from hardware or online stores for you and your loved ones as this can come in handy “to sound for help” during emergencies.

How You Can Help

Don’t be a Bystander! S.P.O.T. it. Report it.

Sexual crime can happen to anyone. If you are a victim of sexual crime or know of someone who is, S.P.O.T. (Spot, Protect, Observe, Tell) it.

You can:

SPOT it – Stay alert. Play your part in looking out for potential victims and danger in the community.

PROTECT the victim and oneself – Step forward to protect victims of crime, when it is safe to do so.

OBSERVE key details – Note the perpetrator’s appearance, clothing, time, location, direction of travel and mode of transport.

TELL the Police – Call 999: The faster you report, the faster help arrives.

A proactive community complements law enforcement and collectively encourages victims to continue to come forward to report the crimes.

Download the "Don't be a Bystander! Phamphlet here