How to deal with Domestic Abuse in Singapore?
The objective behind the law against domestic abuse exists to ensure family violence is not commonplace in Singapore. 

Everyone, mostly women and children, has a right to a safe and healthy living environment. 

There are numerous helplines and organizations, both public and private, working to help anyone in distress.

Understanding Family Violence

The Women’s Charter defines domestic violence as knowingly harming or attempting to injure a family member. It also includes forceful restraint or confinement.

Domestic abuse extends beyond physical encroachments as it includes verbal, psychological, emotional, or sexual acts.

Here are some acts of domestic abuse –

  • Punching, pushing, bruising, choking, and other similar physical acts.
  • Denial of basic physiological needs, like food, water, medicine.
  • Unconsented sexual advances.
  • Humiliation or insulting in public.
  • Intimidation or harassment through threats, property damage.
  • Intrusion into personal space by monitoring or controlling their activities.

 

How to seek remedies?

The Singapore government is continually working to promote multiple avenues to assist you in reporting a domestic abuse case.

The standard options depending on the nature of the case include –

  • Calling a helpline.
  • Seeking medical aid.
  • Filing a report with the Police.
  • Counseling and mediation.
  • Seek refuge in a crisis shelter.

 

Legal protection and trial

You can find a list of family courts and centers across Singapore that assist in a domestic abuse case.

Here are some of the notable contacts –

  • AWARE
  • PAVE
  • Family Service Centres
  • Child Protection and Welfare Helpline
  • TRANS Centre
  • Law Society of Singapore
  • Singapore Association of Women Lawyers’ Pro Bono Legal Consultation Clinics

 

Prepare a Safety Plan

When faced with a crisis, you will likely need an emergency escape plan. It does not involve elaborate preparations.

1. Keep a list of emergency contacts, police helplines, crisis shelters ready.

2. Teach children to call the 999 helpline number to report any emergency.

3. Keep a small amount of money aside and a place you can crash when in need. It can be a friend or relatives’ house, where you are safe.

4. Avoid kitchens, garages, or any confined rooms in case of an attack.

 

Indicators for distress

Now it is essential to look for signs in someone who is not doing or feeling well.

Here are the indications for domestic abuse –

  • Physical: Unexplained injuries, bruises, sprains, fractures
  • Emotional: Depression, anxiety, anger, restlessness, dilemma
  • Financial: Eviction, debt
  • Social: Avoid people, unusually antisocial
  • Work: Unproductive, sick, taking too many leaves, inattentive, tardy

 

Be aware and informed.

Listen to people around you and see if they are in distress. Do not be judgemental and help them find professional assistance.

You don’t need a lawyer to ask for help here. You can find more information on domestic abuse – fill-up the form on our website and contact experts.

Important: The articles available on requestlegalservice.com are not legal advice nor a replacement for a lawyer. The contents are usual information and guidance concerning different lawful issues. We make sure that these articles prove helpful to you, but we do not promise that they are suitable for your circumstance. Hence, we strictly suggest you get expert legal advice. Consult or hire an attorney in case of any uncertainty.