Singapore Personal Protection Order Lawyers

What is a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a legal order issued by the Family Justice Courts to protect an individual from family violence. It is an essential remedy for victims who need the court to legally compel an abuser to stop their violent behavior. Unlike other forms of harassment, a PPO is specifically for violence occurring within a family.

Under the Women’s Charter, which governs PPOs, “family violence” is defined broadly. It is not limited to physical injury, and can include:

• Willful or reckless acts that cause or are likely to cause physical or psychological injury.
• Placing a family member in fear of injury.
• Wrongful confinement or restraint.
• Sexual abuse.

If the court is satisfied that family violence has occurred or is likely to occur, it can issue a PPO to protect the victim.

Who Can Apply for a PPO?

A PPO is specifically for individuals in a family relationship. You can apply for a PPO to protect yourself and any family members from violence committed by:

• Your current or former spouse.
• Your parents.
• Your children (including adopted and step-children).
• Any other family member residing in the same household.

In cases where children are the victims of violence, their parents or guardians can apply for the PPO on their behalf.

Types of Orders the Court Can Grant

In addition to the main PPO, the court has the power to issue other orders to ensure your safety:

• Expedited Order (EO): If you are in immediate danger, the court can grant an Expedited Order (EO). This is a temporary PPO that can be issued quickly to provide urgent protection while your main PPO application is being heard.
• Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO): If you share a home with the abuser, the court can issue a DEO to exclude the abuser from the shared residence, ensuring you can live in your own home without fear.
• Mandatory Counselling Order: The court can order both parties or just the abuser to attend counselling to address the root causes of the violence and to help with reconciliation where appropriate and safe.