Recent legislative changes enhance measures to protect victims and streamline legal processes.
SINGAPORE – Amendments to the Women’s Charter were passed in parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), aiming to provide better protection for victims of family violence and granting the government expanded powers to address such cases effectively.
During the second reading of the Bill, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Sun Xueling, emphasized that the Women’s Charter, enacted in 1961, has historically protected victims of family violence, regardless of gender. In 2023 alone, nearly 2,000 applications for Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) were filed with Family Justice Courts, with approximately 25% of these applications coming from men.
The updated amendments enhance the Women’s Charter’s framework for tackling family violence, expanding its scope to address a broader range of abusive behaviors.
Updated Definitions of Family Violence
The definition of “family violence” has been expanded to include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. The inclusion of coercive and controlling behaviors, such as threats to cut off financial support or constant surveillance, are now categorized as emotional or psychological abuse. These harmful behaviors, often causing significant distress, are now explicitly recognized under the law.
Case Example: Mrs. B
The revised definition will better protect individuals like Mrs. B, a Long-Term Visit Pass holder in Singapore, who experienced both physical and emotional abuse from her husband, Mr. B. He often threatened her with eviction and withholding her visa renewal, leaving her financially and physically vulnerable. The new legal changes will ensure that such controlling behaviors are recognized as abusive, offering more protection and legal remedies for victims in similar situations.
Simplified Legal Applications
To combat ongoing harassment, even after a PPO is issued, the amendments enable courts to issue Stay Away and No Contact Orders. These orders are designed to prevent perpetrators from approaching victims in places like their workplace or childcare centers, offering added protection against further harassment.
Expanding Powers for Protection Professionals
The amendments introduce the role of “protectors,” qualified professionals appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). These protectors are authorized to intervene in high-risk cases, issuing Emergency Orders to immediately restrain perpetrators and prevent further harm, offering crucial protection for victims in urgent situations.
Case Example: Mr. D
A 20-year-old tertiary student, Mr. D, was repeatedly assaulted by his stepfather but struggled to seek help due to fear. With the introduction of Emergency Orders, his situation could be addressed immediately, providing him and others in similar circumstances with greater assurance of safety.
Emergency Orders and Family Violence Cases
Protectors will also have the power to assess at-risk individuals and intervene by issuing PPOs or other protective orders, especially when victims are unwilling to act themselves due to fear or manipulation by the perpetrator.
Increased Enforcement with Electronic Monitoring
A new measure allows the court to apply for electronic monitoring, such as e-tagging, for high-risk offenders. This technology will alert authorities if a perpetrator breaches a PPO or a Domestic Exclusion Order, ensuring a swift response to protect the victim.
Removal of Survivors from Harmful Environments
As a last resort, when all other interventions fail, protectors can apply for a court order to remove victims from their homes to protect them from further harm. This could involve placing the survivor in a safe environment, such as a crisis shelter, until it is safe to return home.
Enhancing Perpetrator Accountability
The amendments also introduce measures to rehabilitate offenders, including mandatory counseling and treatment orders, which address the root causes of family violence. Additionally, penalties for breaching court orders have been increased, ensuring that offenders face stronger consequences for non-compliance.
Case Example: Mr. Y
One such case is Mr. Y, who, after threatening his wheelchair-bound mother, underwent mandatory counseling. His behavior significantly improved after completing the program, showing the potential for rehabilitation when proper support is provided.
Stronger Penalties and Future Legislation
Breaches of counseling or treatment orders will now incur more severe penalties, including higher fines and longer jail sentences. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Social and Family Development is considering the introduction of a standalone Domestic Violence Act to further strengthen the legal framework against family violence.
