POHA & Harrassment

Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, at work and online. If someone is threatening, stalking or harassing you, Singapore’s Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) provides legal remedies that may help stop the conduct and protect you.

At PKWA Law, we advise and represent clients seeking protection from harassment. We also assist clients responding to POHA applications made against them.

We will listen to your situation, explain the available remedies and guide you through the court process. Where urgent protection is needed, we can assess whether an Expedited Protection Order is appropriate.

How We Can Help

Harassment, Threats and Abusive Communications

Harassment can take place in person, through messages or calls, or on social media. It may involve a colleague, neighbour, former partner, acquaintance or someone you have never met.

Depending on the circumstances, conduct that may warrant action under POHA includes:

• Threatening, abusive or insulting communications that cause harassment, alarm or distress.
• Threats of violence against you or another person.
• Repeated abusive messages or targeted online posts.
• Other harassing conduct at home, at work or in public.

Not every unpleasant exchange meets the legal requirements for a POHA claim. We can review the conduct, its context and the available evidence, and advise whether an application is appropriate.

Unlawful Stalking and Repeated Unwanted Contact

Unlawful stalking may involve a pattern of conduct such as following someone, monitoring their movements, repeatedly contacting them or turning up at places they regularly visit.

It may also occur online, including through repeated attempts to contact or monitor someone across different accounts or platforms.

We can help you assess whether the behaviour amounts to unlawful stalking and advise on the protection available.

Online Harassment and Doxxing

Online harassment can spread quickly and affect your safety, privacy and daily life.

Depending on the circumstances, POHA may provide remedies for targeted abuse, threatening posts and doxxing. Doxxing involves publishing identifying information, such as a person’s address or contact details, with the relevant intent to harass, threaten or facilitate violence.

We can advise on preserving digital evidence and seeking appropriate orders to stop the conduct or prevent further publication of offending material.

Protection Orders Under POHA

A Protection Order may require a person to stop harassing or stalking you. Depending on the circumstances, the court may also impose conditions or require steps concerning offending communications.

Applications are generally heard in the Protection from Harassment Court. Certain related applications may be heard in the Family Court where the applicable requirements are met.

Our lawyers can help you identify the appropriate orders, prepare your application and supporting evidence, and represent you in court.

Responding to a POHA Application

If someone has applied for a Protection Order or another POHA order against you, it is important to understand the allegations, the orders sought and any deadlines or court dates.

We can review the application, advise on your options, help organise your evidence and prepare your response. We can also represent you in court.

If an interim order has already been made, we will explain its terms and advise on the steps available. Any existing order should be complied with unless it is varied or set aside by the court.

Harassment by a Family Member

POHA may also apply to harassment involving a family member. However, where the conduct amounts to family violence, a Personal Protection Order (PPO) under the Women’s Charter may be appropriate.

Family violence can include physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse. A PPO may be sought against a spouse, former spouse or another qualifying family member.

Our family law team can advise whether a PPO, a POHA remedy or another legal option is appropriate. Where the matter overlaps with divorce, child custody or maintenance proceedings, we can coordinate your legal approach.

Not Sure Which Applies to You?

You do not need to know which law applies before contacting us.

We will listen to what has happened, assess the conduct and explain your options clearly. Whether your concern involves online abuse, stalking, workplace harassment, false statements or family violence, we can help you understand the next steps.

What Evidence Should You Prepare?

 Relevant evidence may include:

• WhatsApp messages, emails and call records.
• Screenshots of posts, comments and account profiles.
• Links, dates and times relating to online publications.
• Photographs, audio recordings or video recordings.
• Police reports and medical records.
• Witness details and a chronological record of incidents.

Preserve original records where possible. For online material, keep the surrounding context and identifying details, rather than only an isolated screenshot.

You do not need to have every document ready before contacting us. We can help you identify and organise the evidence relevant to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I seek protection from an unmarried former partner?

Yes, where the conduct meets the legal requirements under POHA. Being unmarried does not prevent you from seeking protection against harassment or unlawful stalking.

Can POHA apply to harassment at work or online?

Yes. POHA can apply to qualifying conduct in person and through electronic communications. Whether a claim is appropriate depends on the conduct and circumstances.

Can I obtain compensation?

A claim for damages may be available for certain breaches of POHA. Compensation is separate from an application for a Protection Order. We can advise whether it is appropriate in your case.

Do I need a lawyer to apply?

You can apply without a lawyer. Legal advice may be helpful where the allegations are disputed, urgent protection is needed, the evidence is extensive or several remedies may be relevant.

What happens if someone breaches a Protection Order?

Breaching a POHA Protection Order may be a criminal offence and may also lead to other enforcement proceedings. Preserve evidence of the breach and seek advice promptly. Contact the Police if you are in danger.

Speak to Our Lawyers

If you are experiencing harassment or need advice on a POHA application made against you, contact PKWA Law to discuss your situation.

If you are in immediate danger, call the Police at 999.