- Since 2 January 2025, family violence includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse.
- A Personal Protection Order restrains a family member from committing family violence.
- A Domestic Exclusion Order can bar them from the shared home or part of it.
- Applications are made to the Family Justice Courts, including online.
- Breaching an order is a criminal offence: call the police.
What counts as family violence
The definition of family violence was widened from 2 January 2025. It now covers physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional or psychological abuse. Emotional abuse can include controlling behaviour, such as cutting someone off from money, which may also be relevant to a maintenance claim.
The orders available
A Personal Protection Order (PPO) restrains a family member from committing family violence against the applicant. The court grants it if family violence has been, or is likely to be, committed and the order is necessary for the applicant's protection. These are decided on the balance of probabilities.
A Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO) goes further, barring the other person from the shared home or a part of it. The court may also order counselling for the parties.
Where protection is urgently needed, the court can make an expedited order before the full hearing. A PPO can also be made by consent.
How to apply
Applications are made to the Family Justice Courts, either in person, through a Family Violence Specialist Centre, or online through the courts' iFAMS system. Bring whatever evidence you have: police reports, medical reports, photographs, messages and the names of witnesses.
If the order is breached
Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence. If it happens, call the police straight away.
If the person harming you is not a family member, protection may instead be available under the Protection from Harassment Act.
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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