As an experienced family PPO lawyer in Singapore, I understand that obtaining a Personal Protection Order (“PPO”) can be a critical step in protecting yourself or your loved ones from family violence. It is important to understand who you can get a PPO against and what actions are considered family violence under Singapore law.
Under the Women’s Charter (Chapter 353), a PPO can be obtained against a family member who has committed or is likely to commit family violence against you or your child. The term “family member” includes spouses, parents, children, siblings, and other relatives who are living together in the same household.
Family violence is defined as any act committed by a family member against another family member that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or suffering. Examples of family violence include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Physical abuse may involve hitting, punching, kicking, or using weapons to inflict harm on a family member. Emotional abuse may involve threats, insults, or other forms of verbal abuse that are designed to control or intimidate a family member. Sexual abuse may involve unwanted sexual contact or forcing a family member to engage in sexual activities against their will. Neglect may involve failing to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter, or medical care.
If you are experiencing any form of family violence, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. You can apply for a PPO to protect yourself or your child from further acts of family violence.
To apply for a PPO, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the Family Justice Courts. You may also need to attend a court hearing to provide evidence of the family violence that you have experienced or are likely to experience. It is advisable to engage a lawyer who is experienced in handling PPO cases to assist you with the application process and represent you in court.
Once a PPO is granted, it will prohibit the abuser from further acts of family violence and may include other conditions such as a stay-away order or an order for counselling. The abuser may be arrested and charged with a criminal offense if they violate the terms of the PPO.
In addition to obtaining a PPO, there are other legal remedies available under Singapore law to protect victims of family violence. These include applying for a Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO) under the Women’s Charter which can exclude the abuser from the family home.
As a family PPO lawyer in Singapore, I can provide you with legal advice on your options for obtaining a PPO or other legal remedies to protect yourself or your child from family violence. I can also represent you in court and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, it is important to take action and seek help. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
