Family violence remains a serious concern with profound social and legal implications in Singapore. It affects not only those directly involved but also the wider family and community. It is therefore important to understand what legally constitutes family violence and to be aware of the protective measures available under Singapore law to safeguard victims and prevent further harm.
- What Is Family Violence?
Family violence is defined under the Women’s Charter as specific acts of abuse committed by one family member against another. It may take several forms:
- Physical abuse: Conduct that causes or threatens to cause personal injury or physical pain, or wrongfully confines a person. This excludes lawful force used for self-defence or reasonable correction of a child under 18.
- Sexual abuse: Conduct that coerces or attempts to coerce a person into sexual activity.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Behaviour that torments, intimidates, harasses, or causes mental harm, including actions that may lead to distress, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Family violence may occur as a single act or as a pattern of behaviour. The abusive conduct need not be directed at the victim. For instance, smashing furniture near a child or spreading false rumours about a spouse may still amount to abuse if it causes fear or distress to the victim as a consequence.
- Who Is Considered a Family Member?
The law applies when the violence is committed by a “family member”, including:
- A spouse or former spouse;
- A child (including adopted or stepchild);
- A parent or parent-in-law;
- A brother or sister;
- Other relatives (including through marriage or adoption) who are part of the household; and
- A person who is incapacitated or infirm due to disability, ill health, or old age, and regarded as a family member.
Notably, partners who are not married and former parents-in-law are not covered under this definition.
- Legal Remedies and Protection Orders
The primary legal remedy for victims of family violence is the Personal Protection Order (PPO) issued by the Family Courts.
Personal Protection Order (PPO)
A PPO restrains a family member from committing further violence.
You may apply if you are 18 years or older, or on behalf of a child or an incapacitated relative. The court will grant a PPO if it is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that family violence has been or is likely to be committed, and that protection is necessary.
Other Related Orders
The court may issue additional protective measures together with a PPO:
- Domestic Exclusion Order: This order legally excludes the respondent who has committed family violence from the home of the victim and grants the victim the exclusive right of occupation. This order can be made regarding the whole or part of the home, regardless of who holds the title or interest in the property.
- Stay Away Order: This order prohibits the respondent from entering and remaining in an area outside the victim’s home or any other place frequented by the victim.
- No Contact Order: This order prohibits the respondent from visiting or communicating with the victim. The PPO may also require the respondent not to incite or assist any other person to commit family violence against the victim.
The respondent may also be prohibited from inciting others to commit family violence.
Emergency and Expedited Orders
If there is immediate danger, the court may make an Expedited Protection Order:
- Expedited Protection Orders (EPO): If a PPO application is pending, the court may issue an Expedited Order if there is a danger of violence while the PPO application is waiting to be heard. EPOs restrain the respondent from committing family violence and can include domestic exclusion, stay away, and no contact measures. An EPO typically lasts for 28 days but may be extended.
Rehabilitation and Monitoring
The courts can also mandate the following corrective or monitoring orders:
- Counselling Orders: If the court believes it may help the respondent avoid committing family violence, it can require the respondent to attend counselling or other programs. The victim and children may also be directed to attend. These orders cannot exceed 36 months.
- Mandatory Treatment Orders: If the court believes the respondent suffers from a treatable psychiatric condition that contributed to the violence, the court may order the respondent to undergo psychiatric treatment for a period not exceeding 36 months.
- Electronic Monitoring Orders: The court may require the respondent to comply with prescribed electronic monitoring arrangements if this order is necessary for the victim’s safety.
- Non-Compliance and Penalties
Any person who knowingly breaches a Protection Order (PPO), Expedited Order (EO), Emergency Order (EMO), or any associated domestic exclusion, stay away, or no contact order, commits a family violence offence. An offender may face a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
For aggravated cases, such as repeated offences or where vulnerable adults are involved, the penalty may increase to 18 months’ imprisonment.
Failure to comply with a counselling or treatment order is also an offence, and may attract a fine of up to $2,000.
Conclusion
Singapore’s legal framework for family violence combines protection for victims with accountability and rehabilitation for perpetrators. Protective orders serve as both a legal shield and a means of intervention, deterring further abuse while addressing its root causes through counselling and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, our lawyers can advise you on the legal remedies available and help you take the necessary steps to protect your safety and rights.
This publication is not intended to be, nor should it be taken as, legal advice. It is not a substitute for specific legal advice for specific circumstances. You should not take, nor refrain from taking any action(s) based on this publication. We shall not be responsible for, nor do we accept any responsibility for, any loss or damage that may arise from any reliance on this publication.