Relationships are meant to be heartwarming, fulfilling, respectful and loving, but sometimes there’s a dark side for some which may go unnoticed or ignored – domestic violence. It can be one of the most traumatic and devastating experiences for any individual, and not only does domestic violence affect the victim, but it also has a profound impact on other family members and loved ones. However, it isn’t just about physical aggression; other aspects like verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse are also considered domestic violence, and there are strict laws in Singapore to help protect victims. If you have been struggling with family violence or know someone who is in dire need of legal assistance, our team of expert Singapore family lawyers at A. Rohim Noor Lila LLP can step in to help you curate the best solution for all your legal matters.
Understanding How Family Law in Singapore Defines Domestic Violence
According to a survey conducted by International Violence Against Women, “1 in 10 women in Singapore experience lifetime physical violence by a male”, and “6 in 10 victims of physical violence suffer repeated victimization”. In addition, a press release by Ipsos revealed that 3 in 10 Singaporeans stated that they or someone close to them had experienced domestic violence. This emphasizes the importance of addressing domestic violence legally so that justice is served and the necessary intervention is provided.
Under section 64 of the Women’s Charter, family law in Singapore defines the commission of the following acts as domestic or family violence:
- wilfully or knowingly attempting to place a family member in fear of hurt;
- causing hurt to a family member by such an act which is known or ought to have been known would result in hurt;
- wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against his will; or
- causing continual harassment with intent to cause or knowing that it is likely to cause anguish to a family member,
However, this does not include any legal action that can be construed as self-defense or an action used to correct a child under 21.
Who is Protected Under Section 64 of Family Law in Singapore?
The significance of this law is the protection provided to family members from violent conduct that comes from within the victim’s family. According to section 64 of the Women’s Charter, a ‘family member’ is termed for the following individuals:
- A spouse or a former spouse of the person;
- A child of the person, including an adopted child and a step-child;
- A father or mother of a person;
- A father-in-law or mother-in-law of the person;
- A brother or sister of the person;
- Any other relative of the person or an incapacitated person who, in the opinion of the court, should in the circumstances, in either case, be regarded as a member of the family of the person;
The provision of protection by the family law in Singapore has a broad scope and allows the following individuals to apply for lawful protection if needed:
- Is a child
- Is incapacitated
- Is a person responsible for the protection of a child or an incapacitated individual
How Do You Protect You and Your Loved Ones with the Assistance of the Family Law in Singapore?
The first thing that one must do is to contact the police so that a police report can be filed and immediate protection can be obtained. There are many other forms of protection in Singapore that can benefit family violence victims, such as Protection Orders, Domestic Exclusion Orders, Expedited Orders and Mandatory Counselling Orders. As reiterated, Singapore takes domestic violence very seriously, and a Protection Order referred to as a Personal Protection Order (PPO) can be filed in the Family Justice Courts.
This protection is provided for under section 65 of the Women’s Charter and is a civil court order put in place to prevent you and your family from harm’s way. In accordance with family law, all Singapore citizens or individuals domiciled in Singapore can apply for a PPO if they qualify as a family member and are over 21. For those who are younger than 21 or are incapacitated, a relative or guardian may apply on their behalf. However, those younger than 21 may apply for a PPO if they are married or have been married in the past.
How is Domestic Violence Proved in Court?
Evidence will play a critical role in proving that family violence has been committed or there’s a probability of it occurring. In order to prove this, the person filing for protection must present the evidence to the Family Court and may include the following:
- The victim’s testimony and/or a supporting testimony from a witness
- Police and medical reports
- Photographic evidence (e.g., dated images of injuries)
- Any other evidence that can support the victim’s claim that the perpetrator is a family member
Seek Legal Assistance from the Best Law firm in Singapore – A. Rohim Noor Lila LLP
The legal proceedings for domestic violence can be quite complex. From exploring and understanding your legal options, filing the necessary documents, collecting and presenting the evidence in a manner that is admissible to court, obtaining witness statements, and trying to negotiate a settlement, the procedure can be lengthy and stressful. Therefore, it is imperative that you consult the services of an experienced family lawyer in Singapore to make this process as hassle-free as possible.
As an acclaimed and trusted law firm in Singapore, our highly experienced Singapore family lawyers at A. Rohim Noor Lila LLP will be able to guide you with the best options at hand and represent and advocate on your behalf. As a law firm that takes great pride in delivering high-quality legal services that align with all our client’s requirements, our lawyers will listen closely to all your concerns, keeping you abreast of all the necessary information so that your best interests are prioritized. Therefore, if you or your loved ones are in need of expert legal assistance, do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated legal team today.