A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a court order that restrains a family member from using family violence against you. This guide walks through how to apply for one in Singapore: where and how to file, what to bring, what happens at the hearing, how to get urgent interim protection, and what a PPO can and cannot do. It is general information, not legal advice.
If you are in immediate danger, call the Police at 999 right away. A PPO is important protection, but it is not a substitute for emergency help. For 24-hour advice and support, call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) on 1800 777 0000. You can seek this help before, during, or after applying for an order.
Where and how to file for a PPO
PPO applications are made to the Family Justice Courts through Protection Order Services. You can apply in person, and options to start an application online are also available; the Family Justice Courts set out the current channels, forms, and fees, so it is best to check their guidance for the most up-to-date details.
To apply, you file a complaint. This is a written account of what happened: who the respondent is, your relationship to them, and details of the incidents of violence: dates, what was said or done, and any injuries. You can apply for yourself if you are an adult. If the person needing protection is a child, an incapacitated person, or otherwise unable to apply on their own, a suitable person such as a guardian or relative can apply on their behalf.
You do not need a lawyer to file, and duty officers can help you understand the forms. If you would like support, a Family Violence Specialist Centre can help you prepare and can accompany you through the process.
What to bring and what evidence helps
Bring your identification and anything that helps the court understand what has happened. Only gather evidence where it is safe to do so; never put yourself at risk. Helpful items include:
- Your NRIC or other photo identification.
- A clear timeline of incidents with dates and descriptions.
- Medical reports or memos if you were treated for injuries.
- Photographs of injuries or property damage.
- Police report numbers or copies of reports.
- Threatening or harassing messages and voice notes.
- Names and contact details of any witnesses.
You do not need every item on this list. Your own testimony is evidence, and the court knows that family violence is often unwitnessed. Bring what you have.
The mention and the hearing
After you file, the court fixes a first appearance, often called a mention. The respondent is notified of the application and given a chance to respond. What happens next depends on their position:
- If the respondent consents, the court can make a PPO by agreement, sometimes with a counselling order, without a contested hearing.
- If the respondent contests, the court fixes a hearing. Both sides give evidence, and witnesses may be asked questions. The court then decides whether family violence has been committed or is likely, and whether an order is necessary for your protection.
The court may also refer the parties to counselling as part of the process. If you feel unsafe attending in the same space as the respondent, tell the court staff; measures can be arranged to reduce contact.
Getting urgent interim protection: the Expedited Order
If there is an imminent danger of family violence, you can ask the court for an Expedited Order (EO) when you file. An EO is a temporary order that can be granted quickly, before the full hearing, to protect you in the meantime. It generally lasts for a limited period until the matter is heard and can be extended by the court where needed. If your situation is urgent, raise this clearly with the court when you apply.
What a PPO costs
Applying for a PPO is meant to be accessible, and filing is inexpensive compared with most court processes. Because official fees can change, we do not quote a fixed figure here; check the Family Justice Courts for the current amount, and ask about any fee waivers if cost is a barrier. If you choose to engage a lawyer the cost will be higher, but a lawyer is not required to apply, and support agencies can help you at no charge.
What a PPO does and does not do
A PPO restrains the respondent from using family violence against you. It can be paired with other orders: a Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO) to exclude the respondent from the shared home, and a Counselling Order (COU) requiring counselling. What a PPO does not do is decide your divorce, your children’s living arrangements, or the division of your property; those are dealt with in separate proceedings. If violence is part of a wider breakdown of your marriage, our guide on how family violence affects divorce explains how the two connect, and our overview of divorce in Singapore covers the wider process.
Breach of a PPO is an arrestable offence
This is the part that gives a PPO its teeth. Breaching a PPO is a criminal offence. If the respondent uses family violence again in breach of the order, you can make a police report, and because a breach is an arrestable matter the police can take action. Keep a copy of your order with you, and do not hesitate to call 999 if you are in danger.
Varying or revoking a PPO
Circumstances change, and an order can change with them. Either party can apply to the court to vary (change) or revoke (cancel) a PPO. For example, terms may be adjusted, or an order may be revoked if it is no longer needed. The court will consider whether the change is appropriate and whether protection is still required.
Whatever stage you are at, you do not have to do this alone. Call the NAVH helpline on 1800 777 0000 for support, and reach out to a Family Violence Specialist Centre or Family Service Centre for help with safety planning and the application itself.
