In cases of family violence, the safety and well-being of individuals should be the utmost priority. No one should have to suffer in silence. If you find yourself in a situation where your safety is in danger, it is crucial to seek immediate assistance by contacting the police at 999.
At the same time, legal action can be taken to protect your well-being, such as obtaining a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against an abusive family member. We hereby provide comprehensive information about PPOs in Singapore, the process of obtaining them, and the importance of seeking legal assistance to safeguard your rights and safety.
A PPO is a legal order issued by the family court in Singapore. Its primary purpose is to protect individuals who are victims of family violence.
Family violence encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, emotional, and financial. It involves acts or behaviors that intentionally or knowingly cause fear, hurt, confinement, or harassment to a family member.
Recognizing the signs of family violence is crucial for taking necessary action. Victims may experience physical injuries, emotional distress, and changes in behavior. The impact of family violence can be far-reaching, affecting one’s self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being.
Seeking legal advice and representation is essential when applying for a PPO. A knowledgeable PPO lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
Collecting evidence is crucial for supporting your PPO application. This includes documenting incidents, obtaining police reports and medical reports, preserving text messages or emails, and gathering witness statements.
Submitting the PPO application involves completing necessary forms and providing accurate and detailed information about the abusive behavior and its impact on your safety.
Court proceedings for a PPO application may involve presenting evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to demonstrate the need for protection.
If the court finds that family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed, it may grant a PPO. The order will outline the terms and conditions to protect your safety and well-being.
A PPO breach occurs when the abuser fails to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the order. This can include actions such as contacting or approaching the protected individual.
If a PPO is breached, it is crucial to report the incident to the police. Providing them with necessary evidence will aid in their investigation and potential legal proceedings.
Once a PPO breach is reported, the police will conduct an investigation. If sufficient evidence is found, the offender may face arrest and charges related to the breach.
Going through the process of obtaining a PPO and dealing with family violence can be emotionally challenging. Seeking emotional support from helplines, counseling services, or support groups can provide crucial assistance.
Various organizations and support services in Singapore offer counseling, therapy, and helplines for individuals experiencing family violence. These services can provide a safe space to share experiences, seek guidance, and heal.
In cases of spousal abuse and family violence, taking proactive steps to protect your safety and well-being is essential. Obtaining a Personal Protection Order (PPO) through legal channels can offer the necessary legal protection and peace of mind. It is crucial to consult with a PPO lawyer who can guide you through the process, ensure your rights are upheld, and advocate for your safety.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There are support services available to provide emotional assistance and help you navigate the challenges. By seeking legal protection and emotional support, you can take steps towards a brighter and safer future.
Personal Protection Order (PPO): A court order issued in Singapore to protect a person from family violence by restraining the abuser from committing acts of violence.
Family Violence: The legal definition of family violence is in section 64 of the Women’s Charter. Under section 64, family violence is defined as:
Complainant: The person applying for a PPO and seeking protection from family violence.
Respondent: The person against whom the PPO is sought, the alleged perpetrator of family violence.
Domestic exclusion order: (DEO) A DEO is an order excluding or restricting the respondent from entering all or part of the applicant’s or the protected family member’s residence.
Breach: The act of violating the terms and conditions of a PPO by the respondent.
Application: The formal request made by the complainant to the Family Justice Courts for the issuance of a PPO.
Affidavit: A written statement made under oath by the complainant, providing details and evidence of the family violence experienced.
Expedited Order: A temporary PPO issued by the court to provide immediate protection until a full hearing can take place. Ceases after 28 days from the order’s date or when the PPO application hearing commences, unless extended by the court. Issued when there is an imminent danger of family violence being committed against the applicant.
Full Hearing: A formal court proceeding where both the complainant and the respondent present their cases before a judge in order to determine whether a PPO should be granted.
Evidence: Information, documents, or testimony presented to support the claims of either party in a PPO proceeding.
Cross-Examination: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party or his lawyers to challenge their credibility or gather information.
Undertaking: A voluntary agreement made by the respondent to abide by certain conditions without the need for a formal court order.
Variation: A request made by either party to modify or change the terms of an existing PPO.
Recission: The cancellation or termination of a PPO by the court.
Proposed changes to boost protection for family violence victims, rehab for abusers
In recent developments, significant changes have been proposed to enhance the protection of victims of family violence in Singapore. These proposed amendments, part of the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, aim to strengthen the effectiveness of Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) and provide better support for survivors. Let’s explore these proposed changes in more detail:
The Bill introduces a stay-away provision, which prohibits abusers from being near the survivor’s home or frequented places. This measure aims to prevent abusers from gaining access to victims outside their homes, including public areas. Additionally, a no-contact provision will be implemented, preventing abusers from visiting or communicating with survivors. These provisions aim to create a safe and secure environment for survivors, free from the presence and influence of their abusers.
The proposed changes also address the issue of abusers with psychiatric conditions contributing to their violent behavior. The court may issue a mandatory treatment provision if the perpetrator is found to have a psychiatric condition that influences their actions warranting the need for a protection order. This provision emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of family violence and promoting rehabilitation for abusers.
Currently, individuals between the ages of 18 to 20 who are unmarried need to rely on others, such as their guardians, to apply for a PPO on their behalf. The Bill seeks to lower the minimum age for PPO application to 18, allowing younger survivors of abuse to seek protection and represent themselves in PPO proceedings. This change empowers young adults to take proactive steps in protecting their well-being without depending solely on others.
The definition of family violence, as outlined in the Women’s Charter, will be expanded to include a wider range of violence, such as sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. The current definition encompasses causing hurt, placing a family member in fear of hurt, and wrongfully confining a family member against their will. The updated definition acknowledges the various forms of abuse survivors may experience and ensures comprehensive protection under the law.
To safeguard survivors’ identities, the proposed amendments include strict provisions to prohibit the publication or broadcast of any information that identifies or is likely to identify survivors without their consent. This includes online platforms and social media, where identifying information may pose additional risks to survivors’ safety. The court may order the removal of any social media posts or content that could potentially reveal the survivor’s identity.
The Bill emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation for perpetrators of family violence. Counseling provisions will be expanded to include a wider range of programs, treatments, and interventions aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reducing the risk of violence in future relationships. Furthermore, penalties for breaching family violence-related protection orders will be significantly increased, imposing heavier fines and potential jail time for offenders.
It is important to note that these proposed changes are aimed at strengthening the protection and support for victims of family violence in Singapore. The Bill’s introduction follows extensive public consultation and seeks to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by survivors and their families. By bolstering the legal framework and rehabilitation efforts, these amendments aim to create a safer and more secure environment for all individuals affected by family violence.
The Straits Times, in collaboration with Statista, has recognized I.R.B Law as one of the leading law firms in Singapore. This honor mirrors our unwavering commitment to legal excellence and our ability to deliver exceptional legal services tailored to our clients’ unique needs.
Don’t face the daunting process of an annulment alone. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced annulment lawyers to discuss your options. We usually offer a free initial consultation, giving you a risk-free opportunity to better understand the potential course of action for your case. Trust in our dedicated team’s ability to guide you through this complex process with competence, compassion, and respect. Our team’s dedication, coupled with our experience in dealing with diverse and complex annulment cases, makes us your ideal ally in seeking a successful resolution to your marriage annulment process in Singapore.
Author: Mohamed Baiross/IRB LAW LLP
My sincere thanks to Mr Baiross for genuinely listening to my issue and willing to provide honest feedback and clarification
I had a great experience having IRB Law to assist my sons in the inheritance matters . Mr Baiross and the teams assist me throughout the journey til everything goes smoothly . Mr Fadil too was very patient in addressing my concerns . He help me with all the doubts and explain well . Thank you 🙏
Thank you for the excellent support and service. From my first meeting with Baiross to the continued support and advice by Crystal over a 12 month period and to achieve a excellent result I would recommend IRB Law and Crystal to anyone looking for a legal advisory and support 🙏🏼👍🙏🏼
I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Mohamed Baiross and his law firm. At a time when we were feeling extremely helpless and urgently needed assistance, he was willing to step in and offer help, even during the weekend. His entire team was also incredibly cooperative and supportive throughout the process, making everything much smoother and reassuring. This clearly shows that his firm is not just about business, but is genuinely committed to helping people in need. It gave us comfort and hope at a very critical moment, and we are truly grateful for their sincerity, dedication, and teamwork. Thanks you🙏🏻
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Baiross, Mr Basheer and Team IRB who handled my case with a positive outcome that was beyond my expectations. Mr Baiross and Mr Basheer provided me with detailed sound legal analysis, offered the available options, recommended the actions I needed to take to strengthen my case and strategized the approach taken. They were always patient in explaining the legal jargons to me so that I can make informed decisions. IRB's charges were also highly competitive and they often graciously go the extra mile. IRB indeed lives up to be a Singapore's Best Law Firm, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal advice.
We hired IRB to draft an agreement and handle a commercial dispute. IRB proved to be efficient, fast and responsive, including replies over the weekend and public holidays. Comparatively, our legal opponent's lawyers were slow and often cut off work at 5 pm, despite the fact that the settlement negotiation proposed by their client had a short deadline - they also claimed to be Straits Times Singapore's Best Law Firms. We had used other lawyers and notaries in the past, including hiring a well-advertised law firm to handle a fraud case, but it turned out to be disappointing because they gave poor advice and were expensive. Overall, IRB proved to be outstanding in giving speedy, concise advice and was cost-effective. Thanking Baiross, Crystal and team!
Our company recently had the pleasure of working with Mr Baiross, Ms Crystal, Mr Quek and Mr Desmond from IRB for our civil case, and we cannot recommend IRB team highly enough. From the moment we walked into their office, we felt welcomed and understood. The team took the time to listen to our concerns and explain the legal process in a way that was easy to comprehend. Their expertise in civil law is evident; IRB guided us through every step with professionalism and care. IRB team was always quick to respond to our emails and calls, making us feel like a priority throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail is remarkable, and we appreciated how they prepared for each meeting with comprehensive notes and strategies. One of the aspects we were most impressed with was their negotiation skills. They were able to secure a favorable settlement that exceeded our expectations. It was clear that they had our best interests at heart, which made a stressful situation much more manageable. The fees were transparent, and there were no hidden costs, which we greatly appreciated. IRB provided a clear breakdown of their charges from the outset, and we felt that their rates were reasonable for the level of service provided. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the outcome of our case and grateful to have had Mr. Baiross by our side. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated team of lawyers, look no further than IRB Law.
Expressing my sincerest gratitude for the excellent legal support and professionalism provided by Sharifah Nabilah throughout our case. Nabilah joined our team later but at a crucial point. She was so committed to our case and got herself up to speed in no time. I enjoyed having her on my team and working with her, making my entire case ordeal that much more bearable. Her legal arguments and writing are cogent - she is definitely born to be a lawyer, as I always tell her. Such a blessing to have met her and to have had her fight our case for us. Also a special mention to Mr Baiross, without whom none of this would be possible. He is such a compassionate lawyer, and always reminded us that all of this is a test from God, and to be patient. It kept us grounded and gave us strength to go through this ordeal. Well, thanks to the awesome team at IRB, we won our case and got a rather favourable outcome. Very thankful and would recommend to anyone in need of expert legal counsel.
I had an excellent experience with IRB Law LLP, particularly with Mr. Baiross, Ms. Sharifah, and their team. From the very beginning, the communication and process were incredibly swift—setting up a meeting with the lawyers was seamless. They were highly responsive, addressing all my queries promptly and providing clear, practical advice on how to navigate my situation. Their guidance gave me confidence and clarity during a challenging time. I am truly thankful and grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance.
The lawyers Mr Baiross and Ms Simran have help me with a criminal charge case. My maximum sentence was 4 years and it drop to 3 months and it drop even further to just 10 days. My case was ongoing for 10 months plus and I'm glad that it is finally over now 😊👍
We have a strong track record guiding clients through PPO applications and related family violence matters with care and precision.
We offer clear, practical advice that helps you navigate stressful situations while prioritising your safety and well-being.
We provide competitive, upfront pricing with no hidden charges, giving you clarity and confidence throughout the process.
Mohamed Baiross is the managing partner of IRB Law and one of the nation's leading lawyers in multiple practice areas, including civil, corporate, and commercial law. With over three decades of experience as a business lawyer, Mohamed Baiross has built a renowned corporate law firm in Singapore, providing expert legal services to global corporations and local businesses.
Kulvinder Kaur is a prominent commercial and corporate lawyer and an expert in litigation matters. Kaur is well-known in all courts of Singapore for strong legal representation in the most complex cases across multiple practice areas.