How to File for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Singapore

If you or a loved one is facing family violence, seeking legal protection is not just an option — it may be necessary for your safety and peace of mind.

A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a court order in Singapore designed to protect individuals from family violence. It can prevent an abuser from threatening, harassing, or harming you physically or emotionally.

If you are unsure about the process, here's a step-by-step guide on how to file for a PPO in Singapore, and what to expect along the way.

What Is a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

A PPO is issued by the Family Justice Courts under the Women’s Charter. It applies when family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed, and the order is necessary for protection or personal safety.

“Family violence” includes:

• Physical abuse (e.g. hitting, slapping, kicking)

• Threats of violence

• Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g. intimidation, controlling behaviour)

• Sexual abuse

• Wrongful confinement or restraint

  
  

You can apply for a PPO against a family member who is:

• Your spouse or ex-spouse

• Your child or parent

• Your father-in-law or mother-in-law

• Your sibling

• A family member related by blood, marriage, or adoption

  
  

Step-by-Step: How to File for a PPO in Singapore

1. File an Application

You can file the PPO application at:

• The Family Protection Centre (FPC) at the Family Justice Courts

• Any Protection Specialist Centre (PSC)

• Any PAVE Integrated Services For Individual And Family Protection Specialist Centre (ISIFPSC)

• Online via the iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System)

You’ll need to provide:

• NRIC or identification documents

• Details of the alleged incidents (what happened, when, where, etc.)

• Medical reports or police reports (if available)

• Any relevant evidence (photos, messages, witness accounts)

Legal assistance is not required, but highly recommended — especially if the case is complex or involves children.

2. Attend a Court Mention or Hearing

After you file your application, the court may schedule:

• A Mention (a short administrative hearing), or

• An expedited order hearing (if urgent protection is needed)

Both you and the respondent (the person the PPO is filed against) will be notified to attend.

If the court is satisfied that immediate protection is needed, it may issue an Expedited Order (EO) on the same day — valid for 28 days unless extended by the court.

3. Attend the Court Hearing

If the respondent does not consent to a PPO being granted, the matter proceeds to hearing:

• Both parties may be represented by lawyers

• You’ll need to give evidence under oath

• Witnesses (if any) may be called

• The court will decide based on the facts and evidence

If the judge finds that family violence has been committed or is likely to be committed, and a PPO is necessary for protection or personal safety, the PPO will be granted.

What Can the PPO Include?

The PPO may include orders such as:

• Prohibiting the respondent from using violence

• Prohibiting the respondent from visiting or communicating with the applicant

• Ordering the respondent to attend mandatory counselling programmes

Breach of a PPO is a criminal offence, and can result in arrest, fines, or imprisonment.

What If You Need Immediate Protection?

You may request an Expedited Order (EO) if there’s an immediate threat of harm. The EO provides temporary protection while the PPO application is being processed.

You must show:

• A clear and imminent threat of violence

• Supporting evidence or urgent circumstances

  
  

Do You Need a Lawyer to Apply for a PPO?

While you can apply on your own, legal advice is strongly recommended in cases involving:

• Children or custody issues

• Previous police reports or court orders

• Cross-allegations of violence

• Ongoing divorce proceedings

• False allegations made against you

A lawyer can help:

• Draft your statement clearly and persuasively

• Advise on your rights and next steps

• Represent you during the court hearing

• Ensure that the PPO protects you effectively

  
  

Documents You May Need to Prepare

• NRIC or passport

• Police reports or photographs of injuries

• Medical records or doctor’s notes

• Text messages, emails, or call logs

• Witness statements (if any)

  
  

What If Children Are Involved?

If your children are also affected, you can apply for:

• A PPO on behalf of your child, or

• A Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO) — to remove the respondent from the home

The court will always prioritise the safety and welfare of the child.

Need Legal Support for a PPO Application?

We assist clients with urgent and sensitive family matters — including applications for Personal Protection Orders, Expedited Orders, and Domestic Exclusion Orders.

We understand that these cases are emotionally challenging. Whether you need legal protection, strategic advice, or someone to advocate for your safety in court, we're here to help.

Schedule a confidential consultation or email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.

Contact Us