There are many services that can help you. Here are information on them and their contact numbers. Give them a call and take your first step in breaking the cycle of violence. Contact them today!
Family Service Centres
Family Service Centres provide services and programmes to promote the safety and well-being of families. These include:
- counselling and advice on safety plans for you and your children;
- advice on the types of community resources available
- practical assistance like financial assistance or referral to crisis shelters, clinics and hospitals.
You can either telephone or go to the Family Service Centre near your home if you need help or advice, or if you just need to talk to someone.
Click to connect to the list of Family Service Centres in Singapore.
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The Family and Juvenile Court
The Family Court can help protect victims of family violence. Under the Women's Charter, you can apply for the following court orders:
Personal Protection Order (PPO)
- It is a court order that restrains the perpetrator from committing any act of family violence against you.
Expedited Order (EO)
- It is a temporary PPO granted in the absence of the perpetrator. It will only be granted if there is imminent danger of family violence being committed against you.
- An EO takes effect from the date it is served. It lasts for 28 days until the first hearing of the case, or until such time as the court may grant.
Note: You have to apply for a PPO first before you can be given an EO.
Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO)
- It is a court order that prohibits the perpetrator from entering your home or any part of it, even though the perpetrator is the owner or joint-owner of the home.
Note: You have to apply for a PPO first before you can be given a DEO.
You can find a sample copy of a PPO/EO here.
How to apply for PPO/ EO/ DEO
Where to go?
You have to file your application at
Family Protection and Transformation Unit
Family & Juvenile Courts
3 Havelock Square
Singapore 059725
Tel: 6435 5077
Who can apply?
You can apply if the perpetrator is a member of your family.
What do you need to bring along?
- your identity card;
- identity card or birth certificate of the family member whom you want to be included in the order;
- police report, if any
- medical report, if any
For procedures on applying for PPO, please see www.familycourtofsingapore.gov.sg
Mandatory Counselling Programme
The Family Court can make an order that those involved in the family violence should attend a compulsory counselling programme. It can be made when the Family Court issues a PPO. The mandatory counselling programme is provided by selected social service agencies and MCYS.
Mandatory counselling can be conducted either in the form of individual or group session.
- what is family violence
- anger management
- stress management
- problem solving
- communication skills
- safety plans
- impact of family violence on children
Find out more from
Family Protection and Transformation Unit
Family & Juvenile Courts
3 Havelock Square
Singapore 059725
Tel: 6435 5077
Website: http://www.familycourtofsingapore.gov.sg/
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Hospitals and Clinics
You will have to go to the nearest hospital or clinic if you require medical treatment as a result of family violence.
Even if you do not wish to take any action against the perpetrator, it is advisable that you go to a medical doctor to have your injuries documented as evidence of the abuse.
They will also refer you to a medical social worker or a Family Service Centre for further assistance and counselling.
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Crisis Shelter
If you are required to leave home due to family violence and have no place to go, you can seek temporary shelter at a crisis shelter. Crisis Shelters provide protection, practical assistance, programmes and emotional support to victims and family members to help them recover from the trauma of abuse.
For security reasons, the locations and contact numbers of these crisis shelters cannot be disclosed. You will have to approach a Family Service Centre or the Police if you wish to be admitted to a crisis shelter.
Crisis Shelters can help you in a number of ways by:
- providing you and your children with temporary accommodation
- giving you practical assistance and emotional support
- working through your safety plans and plan for the future.
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The Police
If there is an immediate threat to your life, call 999. Otherwise, a police report can be lodged at any Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC).
In family violence cases, the Police is concerned with the following:
- The safety of the victim and depending on the extent of physical injuries sustained, they will be referred or advised to seek medical attention.
- With the consent of the victims, the Police will also refer them to the relevant Family Service Centres or Crisis Shelters for assistance.
- If they wish to seek further legal protection, they will be advised to apply for a Personal Protection Order from the Family Court.
- Where warranted, the Police will take action to prosecute the perpetrator.
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