Annual Number of Personal Protection Orders that are Breached and Remedies to Protect Victims from Such Breaches

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) on average, how many Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) were issued each year between 2016 and 2021; (b) of these, how many PPO breaches were recorded; and (c) among the cases where the PPOs are breached, how many became an arrestable offence.

Persons who experience family violence may apply to the Family Justice Courts for a PPO under the Women’s Charter. From 2016 to 2020, the Family Justice Courts issued approximately 1,100 PPOs on average each year. From January to November 2021, fewer than 900 PPOs were issued.

Under the Women’s Charter, all PPO breaches are arrestable offences. From 2016 to 2020, there was an average of 60 criminal cases per year with at least one charge convicted under the Women’s Charter for the breach of a PPO, Expedited Order or Domestic Exclusion Order. MSF does not have statistics on unreported PPO breaches.

Any person who is aware of or suspects someone to have breached a PPO should report the incident to the Police. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, the Police may arrest the offender and investigate the case. A breach of a PPO is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 or by imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A subsequent conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or by imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

In line with the recommendations by the Taskforce on Family Violence, MSF will be increasing the maximum penalties for the breach of PPOs under the Women’s Charter. To better ensure the safety of survivors, the Courts will also be empowered to make additional types of orders when granting a PPO under the Women’s Charter. These include orders prohibiting the PPO respondent from visiting or communicating with the PPO applicant, or from entering or remaining in an area outside the applicant’s place of residence or any other place frequented by the PPO applicant. Such orders will further enhance the safety of the person who applied for the PPO, as the respondents who breach such orders will be liable for a criminal offence.

Beyond legal protection, social service agencies (SSAs) also provide support to survivors of family violence. For survivors who have experienced breaches of PPOs, SSAs may advise them to lodge a Police report or assist to lodge a report on behalf of their clients. SSAs also work with survivors of family violence on safety plans, to minimise the risk of violence recurring.

As part of MSF’s continued efforts to raise awareness on family violence, the "Break the Silence" campaign seeks to educate members of the public on family violence and encourages survivors and those around them to report suspected family violence incidents. MSF also introduced the National Anti-Violence Helpline (NAVH) in February 2021 to make it easier for anyone to seek help or report on violence and abuse concerns. Social service professionals in community agencies including the Family Violence Specialist Centres and Family Service Centres as well as those manning the NAVH can also help guide callers on the PPO process, including breaches of a PPO.