FAQ on Personal Protection Orders
What is a PPO?
A PPO is an order made by the family court in Singapore. Its purpose is to protect a spouse suffering from family violence.
Family violence is defined under section 64 of the Women’s Charter (Chapter 353) as:
a) wilfully or knowingly placing, or attempting to place, a family member in fear or hurt;
b) causing hurt to a family member by such act which is known or ought to have been known would result in hurt;
c) wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against his will; or
d) causing continual harassment with intent to cause or knowing that it is likely to cause anguish to a family member.
Is family violence only deemed as physical violence?
No, it can also be psychological abuse such as intimidation, threatening behaviour, harassment, mocking, controlling, confining, or restricting a person from free movement. The list is not exhaustive.
How do you apply for a PPO?
You can apply to the family courts to prevent further instances of family violence. If the court finds on the balance of probability that family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed, they will make an order to protect the complainant.
What happens if the order is breached?
If the order is breached, you can report the matter to the police. If the offender is found guilty of contravening the PPO, he/she can be liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Repeated offenders can be liable for a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
