Protection Orders in Singapore: All You Need to Know

What is a Protection Order?

A protection order is a court order that prohibits the respondent (the person against whom the order is sought) from doing certain things, such as:

• Approaching or contacting the applicant (the person who applies for the order)
• Assaulting or threatening the applicant
• Stalking the applicant
• Damaging the applicant's property

Protection orders can be issued in both civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, protection orders are typically issued to prevent domestic violence or stalking. In criminal cases, protection orders may be issued as a condition of bail or probation.

Who Can Apply for a Protection Order?

Any person who is 18 years of age or older and has been the victim of domestic violence or stalking can apply for a protection order.

How to Apply for a Protection Order

To apply for a protection order, you must file a petition with the court. The petition must include the following information:

• Your name and address
• The name and address of the respondent
• The nature of the abuse or stalking
• The dates and times of the abuse or stalking
• Any other relevant information

The court will review your petition and decide whether to issue a protection order. If the court issues a protection order, the respondent will be ordered to appear in court for a hearing.

What Happens at a Protection Order Hearing?

At the protection order hearing, the applicant and the respondent will have the opportunity to present their evidence. The court will then decide whether to grant the protection order.

If the court grants the protection order, it will typically include the following provisions:

• A prohibition against the respondent approaching or contacting the applicant
• A prohibition against the respondent assaulting or threatening the applicant
• A prohibition against the respondent stalking the applicant
• A prohibition against the respondent damaging the applicant's property

The protection order will also typically include a provision that allows the applicant to request assistance from law enforcement if the respondent violates the order.

How Long Does a Protection Order Last?

Protection orders typically last for one year. However, the court may extend the order for an additional year if the applicant can show that the respondent continues to pose a threat.

What Should I Do If the Respondent Violates the Protection Order?

If the respondent violates the protection order, you should immediately contact the police. The police will arrest the respondent and charge him or her with a crime.

Protection Orders in Statistics

• In 2021, there were 1,640 applications for protection orders in Singapore.
• Of these applications, 1,230 were granted.
• The most common type of protection order was an ex parte protection order (84%).
• The majority of protection orders were issued to women (87%).

Creative New Word: "Protecto-Tech"

Protecto-Tech is a term that can be used to describe the use of technology to improve the safety of victims of domestic violence and stalking. For example, Protecto-Tech could be used to develop:

• GPS tracking devices that allow victims to track the movements of their abusers
• Mobile apps that allow victims to quickly and easily contact the police
• Smart home security systems that can detect and deter intruders

Useful Tables

Step-by-Step Approach to Applying for a Protection Order

1. Gather as much evidence as possible.
2. Contact the police if you are in immediate danger.
3. File a petition with the court.
4. Attend the protection order hearing.
5. If the protection order is granted, follow the provisions of the order.
6. Contact the police if the respondent violates the order.