- A PPO restrains a family member from committing family violence against the protected person.
- Since 2 January 2025, family violence expressly includes emotional and psychological abuse, and sexual abuse.
- An expedited order gives temporary protection while the PPO application is decided.
- A domestic exclusion order can keep the other person out of all or part of the home.
What counts as family violence
Amendments to the Women's Charter that took effect on 2 January 2025 widened the definition of family violence. As well as physical violence, wrongful confinement and harassment, it now expressly covers:
- sexual abuse
- emotional or psychological abuse: conduct that torments, intimidates, harasses or distresses a person, or could reasonably be expected to cause them mental harm
This means abuse that leaves no visible injury, such as sustained intimidation or controlling behaviour, can now found an application. Not every family quarrel is family violence, though: whether particular conduct qualifies depends on the facts and the evidence.
Who can apply
A PPO protects family members, which includes a spouse or former spouse, children (including adopted children and stepchildren), parents and parents-in-law, siblings and certain other relatives. An application can also be made on behalf of a child or a family member who cannot apply for themselves.
The orders available
To grant a PPO, the court must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed against the family member, and that the order is necessary for their protection. The main orders are:
- Personal protection order: restrains the respondent from committing family violence against the protected person. The court can add conditions, such as directing counselling.
- Expedited order: temporary protection the court can grant urgently while the PPO application is pending, where there is a danger of family violence in the meantime. It lasts only for a limited period, until the main application is dealt with.
- Domestic exclusion order: excludes or restricts the respondent from entering the home, or parts of it.
Evidence
Evidence matters. Applicants should keep and gather what they can as early as possible, such as police reports, medical reports, photographs of injuries or damage, and messages or emails. A dated record of incidents can also help. Clear evidence can help the case move faster.
If an order is breached
Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence. If an order is breached, report it to the police. The respondent can be arrested and charged.
Protection orders and divorce
A PPO application is separate from a divorce. A PPO does not by itself prove a fact for divorce, but the court may take it and any findings of family violence into account in related family proceedings. If you are thinking about both, a lawyer can advise how they fit together. If you are in immediate danger, call the police first.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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