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Every year in Singapore, women, men, and children approach the courts for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) to protect themselves against family violence. Family violence can be traumatic for anyone, regardless of gender, age and class.
Here at Sterling Law, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Our dedicated team of lawyers is committed to helping victims of family violence navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise, ensuring they receive the protection they need.
In this guide, we will help you understand the Personal Protection Order (“PPO”) and how a family and divorce lawyer can help you.
Having a PPO in place is crucial for preventing further harm and maintaining peace of mind. It empowers victims by giving them legal protection and the ability to report any violations. With serious legal consequences for breaches, PPOs serve as a strong deterrent against abusive behaviour and reinforce the victim’s right to safety and security.
Spouses can apply for a PPO if they experience domestic violence, threats, or harassment from their partner or former partner. If you are below 18 and married or were married and your spouse or former spouse is the abuser, you can also apply for PPO.
Children who experience or witness family violence can also be protected under a PPO. A parent or guardian can apply on their behalf if they are below 18 years of age to safeguard them from harm and ensure their well-being.
Elderly family members can apply for a PPO if they experience abuse, neglect, or harassment from their caregivers or relatives. This protection ensures their safety, dignity, and well-being.
Anyone residing in Singapore who faces family violence can apply for a PPO. This includes citizens, permanent residents, and even foreigners living in the country.
In Section 58B of the Women’s Charter 1961, family violence is defined as physical, sexual, or emotional or psychological abuse inflicted by a family member onto another family member. It can be a single instance of an abusive act or behaviour or a recurring course of action.
Family violence isn’t just conduct or behaviour directed at a person but can also be one that is seen, heard, or otherwise perceived by a family member in question, whether directly or indirectly.
Physical abuse is when conduct or behaviour causes or threatens to cause personal injury or physical pain to a person, including threats of death or injury to the person. While this also includes wrongfully confining or restraining a person against their will, it does not include force used in an act of self-defence or as a form of correction towards a child below 18 years of age.
Emotional abuse entails a person being tormented, intimidated, harassed, or distressed by their abuser. It also refers to conduct or behaviour that causes or is expected to cause mental harm to a person, including thoughts of suicide or inflicting self-harm.
Financial abuse occurs when a family member controls or restricts another's access to money, assets, or financial resources, causing dependency and hardship. This limits a person's independence and causes economic harm.
Sexual abuse includes conduct or behaviour that coerces or attempts to coerce a person to engage in sexual activity.
To apply for a PPO.in Singapore, the applicant must first file a Application for a PPO at the Family Justice Courts with a S$1 fee. This involves submitting details of the family violence and providing any supporting evidence. After filing, the court will schedule a consultation and may issue a summons for the alleged abuser to attend a court hearing.
During the hearing, both parties present their cases, and the court evaluates the evidence before deciding whether to grant the PPO. If the PPO is approved, it sets legal restrictions on the abuser’s actions, and any violation of the order can lead to serious legal consequences.
However, if the abuser denies and does not consent to the PPO, the Courts will refer both parties to the court family specialist to discuss the PPO. If there is no agreement, the applicant will be asked if they wish to go to trial.
You can apply for a PPO in person at any Protection Specialist Centres (PSC) or the Family Protection Centre (FPC) located within the Family Justice Courts. Alternatively, you can submit a draft application and the required documents through iFAMS online before heading down to PSC or FPC to complete the application.
Generally, a PPO application will take 1 to 2 months if the respondent agrees with the applicant’s complaint. However, if the matter proceeds to a Court hearing, it may take 3 to 54 months after the application to obtain a PPO.
With a family law specialist on your side, their expert legal assistance ensures that your application for a PPO is thorough and accurate. They guide you through legal procedures, help gather strong evidence, and represent your best interests in court.
With a family law specialist on your side, their expert legal assistance ensures that your application for a PPO is thorough and accurate. They guide you through legal procedures, help gather strong evidence, and represent your best interests in court.
With a family law specialist on your side, their expert legal assistance ensures that your application for a PPO is thorough and accurate. They guide you through legal procedures, help gather strong evidence, and represent your best interests in court.
If you or a loved one is facing a difficult or possibly dangerous situation, know that you are not alone-we are here to support and advocate for you throughout your PPO order application process, from application to court hearings.
As one of the best family and divorce law firms in Singapore for over 20 years, Sterling Law lawyers will work closely with you, keeping you informed and protecting your interests every step of the way.
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Our team of Singapore family and divorce lawyers is happy to assist you if you have any queries. Do feel free to reach out via WhatsApp for a free consultation and timely, supportive legal advice. We ensure that you are kept informed and supported throughout your experience with us.
