In Singapore, harassment is defined as any kind of behaviour that causes alarm, apprehension or distress to an individual. Harassment generally encompasses a range of actions and is governed under numerous laws, including the Protection From Harassment Act (POHA) and the Penal Code. This article provides an overview of the POHA, highlighting key offences, associated penalties, and how a lawyer in Singapore can help assess a harassment case and advise you on a suitable course of action.
Introduction to the Protection From Harassment Act
The Protection From Harassment Act (POHA) was introduced in Singapore in November 2014 and was established to help protect people from harassment.
Here is a simple overview of what the law covers and the remedies it offers:
Key Offences
Key offences under the POHA include:
Harassment: It is an offence to communicate (oral or written) threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that causes someone (the victim) to be harassed, distressed, alarmed or be fearful of violence. “Communication” refers to spoken words and written communication, such as emails, messages and social media posts.
Doxxing: It is an offence to publish any identity information (such as photos or address) of the target person or a related person of the target person that would cause a person to feel harassed, threatened or become fearful of violence. For example, posting statements such as “I know where you live/work” or “hunt him down and teach him a lesson” on social media, especially when combined with identifying details like names, photos, or addresses, would constitute an offence under the Protection From Harassment Act (POHA).
Stalking: It is an offence to stalk someone in a way that makes them feel harassed, distressed, alarmed or fearful. This includes actions such as following the victim, loitering near the victim’s home or workplace, bus stop or MRT station, or any other place frequented by the victim, or constantly trying to contact them.
Anyone found guilty under these laws can face fines, jail, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.
What To Do if You Are a Victim of Harassment
If you believe that you are a victim of harassment, contact a law firm in Singapore to help you assess your case and advise you on the suitable remedies.
Criminal Prosecution: It is important to establish the necessary facts in the police report. This would enable the police to properly investigate and proceed with prosecution. If the police do not intend to pursue the matter, you can still proceed with civil action. However, do note that this will be at your own expense.
Expedited Protection Orders (EPO): If the victim is in immediate danger or the harassment is severely affecting the victim’s life and likely to repeat or continue, the court can issue an EPO. An EPO is a temporary injunction order granted when the court determines that urgent intervention is necessary, based on the complaint by the applicant (the victim) against the respondent. After the EPO is granted, the court will set a hearing for both parties to review the type of protection order needed. The court will grant a Protection Order if necessary.
Protection Order: A Protection Order is a permanent injunction against the perpetrator to stop the harassment of the victim. It lasts forever until it is varied or set aside by another court order. The Protection Order can order the removal of harmful content online and/or ban the perpetrator from contacting the victim. It can also order the exclusion of close proximity with the victim, including places around the home, workplace, transit and places frequently visited by the victim.
Expert Legal Guidance by Christopher Bridges Law Corporation
The Protection From Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore addresses various forms of harassment, including threats, doxxing, and stalking, providing legal remedies such as protection orders and expedited protection orders. Victims can seek legal help from a Singapore law firm such as Christopher Bridges Law Corporation to assess their case and pursue an appropriate course of action.
Established in 1995, Christopher Bridges Law Corporation is a trusted commercial and criminal litigation Singapore law firm licensed to practise in the Jurisdiction of Singapore. Our areas of expertise include dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration, criminal law, business and commercial law, fintech legal services, and family law, provided by a trusted lawyer in Singapore.
Please get in touch with us at 63232328 or via email at seccbridges@cbridgeslaw.com for a free consultation.
