Defamation & Harassment Archives | PKWA Full Service Law Firm

Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) Singapore: What Can You Do About Harassment, Stalking and False Statements?

Defamation & Harassment, Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Harassment today can take many forms. It may involve threatening messages, repeated unwanted contact, online abuse, stalking, or the publication of false statements about another person.

In Singapore, victims may be able to seek protection under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA).

POHA provides both criminal and civil remedies for certain forms of harassment and related conduct. Depending on the circumstances, a victim may be able to obtain a court order requiring the other party to stop the conduct, seek urgent protection, or claim damages.

What Conduct Can POHA Cover?

POHA covers several categories of conduct, including:

• threatening, abusive or insulting communications or behaviour;

• conduct intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress;

• conduct which causes harassment, alarm or distress;

• conduct causing fear or facilitating violence;

• unlawful stalking; and

• certain false statements of fact.

Harassment does not necessarily have to take place face-to-face. Communications through WhatsApp, Telegram, email, social media and other online platforms may potentially fall within POHA.

Whether particular words or conduct amount to harassment will depend on the circumstances of each case.

What Is Unlawful Stalking?

POHA also deals specifically with unlawful stalking.

Examples may include repeatedly following someone, repeatedly attempting to contact a person, monitoring someone’s movements or communications, or repeatedly appearing at places the person frequents.

Not every unwanted interaction will amount to unlawful stalking. The court will consider the nature and pattern of the conduct and its effect on the victim.

What Is a Protection Order?

A person who has experienced conduct covered by POHA may, depending on the circumstances, apply for a Protection Order (PO).

A Protection Order can require the respondent to stop specified conduct.

The precise orders available depend on the facts of the case and the provisions relied upon.

What If the Situation Is Urgent?

Where urgent intervention is required, an applicant may potentially seek an Expedited Protection Order (EPO).

An EPO provides interim protection before the main application for a Protection Order is finally determined.

Whether an EPO will be granted depends on the circumstances and the applicable statutory requirements.

What About False Statements Online?

POHA also provides remedies relating to certain false statements of fact.

A statement of fact is broadly a statement that a reasonable person would regard as representing a fact. A statement may be considered false if it is false or misleading, whether wholly or partly and whether considered by itself or in its context.

Depending on the circumstances, the court has powers to make orders dealing with the continued publication or dissemination of false statements.

These can include orders requiring publication to stop or requiring corrections to be published.

This area can overlap with defamation law, but the legal requirements and remedies are not identical. The appropriate course of action therefore depends on what was said, where it was published, who received it, the harm caused and what the affected person ultimately wants to achieve.

Can You Claim Compensation?

In appropriate cases, a person who has suffered from harassment may also have a claim for damages.

The appropriate proceedings and remedies depend on matters including the nature of the conduct, the relief sought and the amount being claimed.

What Evidence Should You Keep?

If you believe you are being harassed, stalked or targeted by false statements, preserve the evidence as early as possible.

Useful evidence may include:

• screenshots of messages and social media posts;

• emails and WhatsApp or Telegram conversations;

• photographs or videos;

• CCTV footage;

• call records;

• dates and details of individual incidents;

• names of witnesses; and

• evidence showing how the conduct has affected you.

Avoid deleting messages simply because they are upsetting. They may subsequently become important evidence.

Should You Respond to the Other Party?

This depends on the circumstances.

Sometimes a clear written request that the conduct stop may be appropriate. In other situations, continued engagement may aggravate the dispute or create further difficulties.

Where the conduct is serious, persistent or escalating, obtaining legal advice before responding may help you understand your options.

How Can PKWA Law Assist?

Our litigation lawyers advise individuals and businesses on disputes involving harassment, online communications, false statements and related civil claims.

Depending on the circumstances, we can advise on:

• whether the conduct may fall within POHA;

• Protection Orders and Expedited Protection Orders;

• claims involving false statements of fact;

• letters of demand and responses;

• claims for damages;

• negotiations and settlement; and

• court proceedings.

Initial Consultation

Our consultation fees start from $500 for up to 45 minutes. Contact us to arrange an appointment.

During the consultation, our lawyer will understand the circumstances of your case, provide a preliminary assessment of your legal position, and discuss your available options and recommended next steps.

Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore

Defamation & Harassment

Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore

Harassment can happen in many forms – at home, in the workplace, or online. From threatening messages to persistent stalking or doxxing, such behaviour can cause real fear and distress. In Singapore, the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) provides strong legal remedies to protect victims and hold harassers accountable.

This guide explains what POHA covers, the remedies available, how to apply for protection, and why engaging an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.

What Does the Protection from Harassment Act Cover?

POHA was introduced to protect individuals from a wide range of harassing and harmful behaviour. The law applies to:

Harassment and threats – intimidating or abusive words, behaviour, or messages.
Stalking – following someone repeatedly, loitering near their home/workplace, or monitoring their movements.
Cyberbullying – offensive or threatening content shared online, including harassment via social media or messaging apps.
Doxxing – publishing someone’s personal details (name, photos, address, workplace) with the intention to harass or cause harm.
Workplace harassment – persistent intimidation or humiliation by colleagues, superiors, or clients.

The law covers both in-person and online harassment.

Remedies Available Under POHA

Victims of harassment can apply to the Family Justice Courts for different forms of protection:

1. Protection Order (PO)

A Protection Order stops the harasser from continuing the behaviour. It is a long-term order made after the court has heard the evidence.

2. Expedited Protection Order (EPO)

If urgent protection is needed, you may apply for an EPO. This gives immediate, temporary protection while waiting for the full hearing for a Protection Order.

3. Stop Publication Orders

If harassing or false information has been published online, the Court can order it to be removed and prohibit further publication.

4. Monetary Compensation

Victims may claim damages for emotional distress, financial losses, or harm suffered.

5. Criminal Penalties

Harassment can also be a criminal offence. Breaching a Protection Order or committing acts of harassment may lead to fines or imprisonment.

How to Apply for a Protection Order in Singapore

Here’s the typical process:

File an application at the Family Justice Courts.
Prepare supporting evidence such as screenshots of abusive messages, social media posts, call records, or police reports.
Court hearing – both parties may be heard. If urgent, you can request an Expedited Protection Order.
Order granted – if the Court is satisfied, it will issue the Protection Order or other remedies.

What Evidence Should You Gather?

The Court decides based on clear, reliable evidence. Examples include:

WhatsApp, SMS, or email messages.
Screenshots of social media posts.
Photographs or videos showing the harassment.
Witness statements.
Police or medical reports (in serious cases).

The stronger and more organised your evidence, the more likely the Court will grant protection quickly.

Why Legal Representation Matters

While you can file an application yourself, many cases involve both civil and criminal aspects. A lawyer can:

Prepare your evidence in a clear, court-ready way.
Apply for urgent Expedited Protection Orders when immediate safety is at risk.
Represent you in court to ensure your case is persuasively presented.
Advise on compensation claims and enforcement if the harasser breaches an order.

Conclusion

The Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) is a powerful law that protects victims of harassment, stalking, cyberbullying, and doxxing in Singapore. If you are facing harassment, it is important to act early, gather evidence, and apply for the right orders. With proper legal guidance, you can stop the harassment and safeguard your rights.

Need Advice on POHA Matters?

Whether you are facing harassment, doxxing, or false allegations – or if you have been accused of such behaviour – it is important to understand your rights under the Protection from Harassment Act. Speaking with a lawyer can help you assess your options and decide on the best course of action. If you would like to discuss your situation, our team is available to guide you.

Doxxing in Singapore

Criminal Defence, Defamation & Harassment

Technology has many advantages and provides new ways to learn, communicate, share information, and connect with friends and family. However, it is not without risks. More and more people find themselves victims of online embarrassment and harassment.

In recent years, the Singapore legislator felt it appropriate to enhance the protection for victims against violating their privacy and online harassment. A new offence, called “doxxing”, was created by amendments to the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA). It came into effect on 1 January 2020. The aim is to enhance protection against people who post other people’s private information to embarrass or harass them.

What exactly is “doxxing”?

The POHA does not specifically use the term “doxxing”. The term originated as slang for “dropping documents”. In general, doxxing refers to revealing and circulating personal information about someone to the public without the person’s permission.

Whilst the term pre-dates the internet, it has now been expanded to refer to the publication of a person’s personal information with the intention to harass, threaten, or facilitate violence against the person. A person can commit doxxing online and offline.

What constitutes personal information for the crime of “doxxing”?

In the context of the POHA, personal information means information that can be used to identify a person.

Identifying information is defined as:

Any information that, whether on its own or with other information, identifies or purports to identify an individual, including (but not limited to) any of the following:

the individual’s name;
residential address;
email address;
telephone number;
date of birth;
national registration identity card number;
passport number;
signature (whether handwritten or electronic); or
password.

It includes any photograph or video recording of the individual and any information about the individual’s family, employment, or education.

What “doxxing” offences were created by the amendments to the POHA?

The amendments created three types of doxxing offences for publishing identifying information.

Publishing identifying information to cause alarm, distress, or harassment

Section 3(1)(c) – Publishing identifying information of the target person with the intention to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to that person. And as a result, cause that person or any other person harassment, alarm, or distress.

The POHA provides illustrations to explain this offence. An example would be where X and Y were in a relationship. When the relationship ends, X writes a post on Facebook alleging that Y is sexually promiscuous. He then proceeds to post a photograph of Y and includes her personal phone number. X’s intention is to cause Y harassment by facilitating others to identify and contact Y. X’s action resulted in Y being harassed by phone calls and messages asking for sexual favours. X would be guilty of the offence of “doxxing” as defined in sec 3(1)(c).

If Y’s family is distressed or alarmed, or harassed because of X’s conduct, X will also be guilty.

Publishing identifying information to cause fear of violence

Section 5(1A) – Publishing identifying information of a person, or a person related to that person:

with the intent to cause the victim to believe that unlawful violence will be used against the victim or any other person; or
knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it is likely to cause the victim to believe that unlawful violence will be used against the victim or another person.

To illustrate. A posts on Facebook that B must be “put in his place and taught a lesson”. A includes a photo of B and his address. A adds, “Who is coming to beat him up?” A clearly has the intention to cause B to believe that violence will be used against B.

It is highly unlikely in today’s technological society, but let’s say A knows that B will never see or become aware of the post. Is A still guilty of doxxing under sec 5(1A)? No, A cannot be guilty since he did not have the intention to cause B to fear violence against B.

Publishing identifying information to facilitate the use of violence

Section 5(1A) further stipulates the following:

Publishing identity information of a person, or a person related to the victim:

intending to facilitate the use of unlawful violence against the victim or another person; or
knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it is likely to facilitate the use of such violence against the victim or any other person.

In this case, the victim need not be aware of the publication, and the fear of violence does not need be established. A can still be guilty. All that is needed is that A published the information with the intent to facilitate violence or that A ought to have known that it would facilitate violence.

What are the differences between these offences?

The main difference between the three offences lies in the required form of guilt.

Under section 3, the publisher must have the intent to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to be found guilty.

Under section 5(1A), the publisher can be found guilty even if they did not have actual intent to cause fear of violence or facilitate violence. It is sufficient to show that the publisher knew, or ought to have known, that their actions are likely to cause fear or facilitate violence.

The second difference relates to the target of the offence.

Under section 3, it is an offence if publication causes the target person or “any other person” harassment, alarm, or distress.

Facilitating the use of violence under section 5 is similar to the requirement under section 3. It can relate to the victim or “any other person”.

However, the section 5 offence of “causing fear of violence” relates only to the targeted victim. The person whose identifying information is published must be the one who fears violence against them or any other person. To go back to our example of A’s Facebook post, if B doesn’t fear the violence, A is not guilty of the offence, even if B’s family all fear violence.

Can “doxxing” be committed against a company?

No, doxxing can only be committed against a person, not an entity. A company can, however, commit doxxing. If a company falls victim to “doxxing”, it has other available remedies.

Penalties for doxxing

Those convicted under section 3 (causing harassment, alarm, or distress) can be liable to a fine of up to S$5000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.

If convicted under section 5, you can be sentenced to a fine of up to S$5000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

Is there a defence against “doxxing”?

Both sections 3 and 5 provide that it is a defence if the accused can prove that their conduct was reasonable. There is no definition for what constitutes “reasonable conduct”. The courts will evaluate all the circumstances to determine whether there was the required intent or knowledge for a conviction or whether the accused’s conduct was reasonable.

The Act uses the following example.

X records a video of Y driving recklessly in a car on the road. X posts the video on an online forum where people share snippets of dangerous acts of driving on the road. X posts the video with the intent to warn people to drive defensively. X has not committed an offence under this section.

Available remedies if you feel that you are the victim of doxxing

File a police report for criminal charges

The police will investigate, and if you can show that doxxing was committed against you under section 3 or 5(1A), the publisher could face criminal charges. If the doxxing was committed online, you should take screenshots or save the posts as evidence of the doxxing.

File a civil lawsuit against the publisher

If you can show that you suffered damages because of the doxxing, you may be able to file a civil action against the publisher for monetary compensation.

Protection Order

Section 12 of the POHA provides that the victim can apply for a protection order that requires the publisher to stop publishing the information.

The court may also order the internet platform to disable access to the information to end-users of the service in Singapore.

The Act provides for expedited protection orders in more serious cases.

The Singapore government made it clear that doxxing would not be tolerated when they criminalised “doxxing”. People guilty of such behaviour will face the full force of the law.

If you are a victim, doxxing can cause a lot of distress to you and your family. It is essential to gather as much evidence as you can and speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and remedies.

If you are accused of “doxxing” but feel that you acted reasonably, you might have a defence. An experienced lawyer will evaluate your case and discuss your options with you.