Personal Protection Order (Domestic Violence) in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you are a victim of family violence, you can apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO). Following the Women's Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) (Amendment) Act 2023, most provisions of which came into force on 2 January 2025, the protective regime has been substantially expanded:
- Expanded definition of family violence: Now expressly covers physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse (s.58B(4)) — including coercive control, intimidation, and conduct that causes mental harm.
- Who can apply: Any family member — spouse, former spouse, child, parent, sibling, or any person in the same household.
- The traditional orders: Personal Protection Order (PPO), Expedited Order (EO) (now easier to obtain — s.61(2) drops the "imminent" threshold to mere "danger"), and Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO) excluding the abuser from the shared home.
- Five new orders (effective 2 Jan 2025): Emergency Order (issued on the spot by a designated MSF Protector when family violence is feared within 14 days), Stay-Away Order (SAO) (bars the perpetrator from places frequented by the survivor — home, workplace, child's school), No-Contact Order (NCO) (bars all communication), Mandatory Treatment Order (MTO) (psychiatric treatment for up to 36 months), and Electronic Monitoring Order (EMO) (GPS tracking where risk is high).
- Breach of a PPO or related order is a criminal offence — fine up to S$2,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months, with penalties doubled for repeat offences.
- Procedure: Now governed by the Family Justice (General) Rules 2024 (in force 15 Oct 2024) and the Women's Charter (Family Violence) Rules 2024.
When does it apply?
- You are experiencing or have experienced family violence — including emotional or psychological abuse — from a family member or someone you live with.
- You need immediate on-the-spot protection — an MSF Protector can issue an Emergency Order where family violence is feared within 14 days.
- You need urgent court protection while a PPO application is pending — apply for an Expedited Order (the threshold was lowered on 2 Jan 2025 from "imminent" danger to mere danger).
- You want the abuser kept away from your home, workplace, or your children's school — apply for a Stay-Away Order.
- You want all calls, texts, and visits to stop — apply for a No-Contact Order.
- The perpetrator has a psychiatric condition driving the violence — the court may add a Mandatory Treatment Order.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Family Violence and Need Urgent Protection in Singapore (2025 Framework)
- If in immediate danger, call 999 (police) or call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) on 1800-777-0000 (24-hour).
- Walk in to the Family Protection Centre (FPC) at the Family Justice Courts complex — duty officers help victims file PPO/EO applications and connect with MSF Protectors who can issue Emergency Orders.
- File online via iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System) — available 24/7 for PPOs, EOs, SAOs, NCOs and variations.
- Provide evidence: medical reports, photos of injuries, police reports, text messages, screenshots of harassing communications.
- Contact a Family Violence Specialist Centre (FVSC) — PAVE, TRANS SAFE Centre, or Care Corner Project StART — for case management and shelter referrals.
- Other support: AWARE Women's Helpline (1800-777-5555), Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre, and the ComCare hotline (1800-222-0000) for financial assistance.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent — family violence tends to escalate. Seek help early.
- Don't breach a PPO if one has been issued against you — criminal penalties apply.
- Don't destroy evidence — keep records of all incidents in a safe place (outside the home if necessary).
Common Questions
What new protection orders did Singapore add on 2 January 2025?
The Women's Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced five new orders alongside the existing PPO, Expedited Order (EO), and Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO): the Emergency Order (issued on the spot by an MSF Protector when family violence is feared within 14 days), Stay-Away Order (SAO), No-Contact Order (NCO), Mandatory Treatment Order (MTO, up to 36 months of psychiatric treatment), and Electronic Monitoring Order (EMO, GPS tracking). The amendments also expanded the statutory definition of family violence to cover emotional and psychological abuse and coercive control under s.58B(4).
Who can apply for a Personal Protection Order in Singapore and how?
Any family member — spouse, former spouse, child, parent, sibling, or person in the same household. Apply through iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System) online 24/7, or walk in to the Family Protection Centre (FPC) at the Family Justice Courts where duty officers help victims file. Procedure is governed by the Family Justice (General) Rules 2024 (in force 15 October 2024) and the Women's Charter (Family Violence) Rules 2024.
How fast can I get urgent protection from family violence in Singapore?
An MSF Protector can issue an Emergency Order on the spot when there is danger of family violence within 14 days. The court can issue an Expedited Order while a PPO application is pending — and from 2 January 2025 the threshold is just 'danger' (the 'imminent' requirement was removed under s.61(2)). An EO typically lasts 28 days until the full hearing. The court can also make a Domestic Exclusion Order excluding the abuser from the shared home.
What is the penalty for breaching a PPO in Singapore?
Breach of a PPO, EO, DEO, SAO, NCO or related order is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to S$2,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months, with penalties doubled for repeat offences. If in immediate danger, call 999 or the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) on 1800-777-0000 (24-hour). Other support: AWARE Women's Helpline 1800-777-5555 and Family Violence Specialist Centres (PAVE, TRANS SAFE Centre, Care Corner Project StART).
When does it apply — personal protection order (domestic violence)?
You are experiencing or have experienced family violence — including emotional or psychological abuse — from a family member or someone you live with.You need immediate on-the-spot protection — an MSF Protector can issue an Emergency Order where family violence is feared within 14 days.You need urgent court protection while a PPO application is pending — apply for an Expedited Order (the threshold was lowered on 2 Jan 2025 from "imminent" danger to mere danger).You want the abuser kept away from your home, workplace, or your children's school — apply for a Stay-Away Order.You want al...
What should I do if a family member is threatening or hurting me and I need a Personal Protection Order in Singapore?
If in immediate danger, call 999 (police) or call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) on 1800-777-0000 (24-hour).Walk in to the Family Protection Centre (FPC) at the Family Justice Courts complex — duty officers help victims file PPO/EO applications and connect with MSF Protectors who can issue Emergency Orders.File online via iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System) — available 24/7 for PPOs, EOs, SAOs, NCOs and variations.Provide evidence: medical reports, photos of injuries, police reports, text messages, screenshots of harassing communications.Co...
What should you NOT do — personal protection order (domestic violence)?
Don't stay silent — family violence tends to escalate. Seek help early.Don't breach a PPO if one has been issued against you — criminal penalties apply.Don't destroy evidence — keep records of all incidents in a safe place (outside the home if necessary).