Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore

Harassment and online abuse can cause real harm — emotionally, mentally, and even financially. In Singapore, the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) provides strong legal remedies to protect individuals from harassment, cyberbullying, doxxing, and falsehoods.

Whether you are facing threats, unwanted communications, or online attacks, this guide explains how POHA works, the orders you can apply for, and how our lawyers can assist you.

What is the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA)?

The Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA) was introduced to safeguard individuals from harassment, stalking, cyberbullying, and online falsehoods. It applies to both offline and online situations — including WhatsApp messages, emails, social media posts, workplace harassment, or public confrontations.

The Act also introduced remedies against the publication of false statements of fact (e.g. defamatory online posts), and provides both civil and criminal remedies.

Types of Protection Orders Available

1. Protection Order (PO)

• Issued by the Court to stop harassment or threats.
• The order may direct the harasser to stop contacting you, remove offensive material, or refrain from publishing further harassing communications.

2. Expedited Protection Order (EPO)

• A temporary urgent order that can be granted quickly while the main PO application is still pending.
• Useful if you are in immediate danger or distress.

3. Non-Publication Order

• Directs the harasser to take down false or harassing online content.
• May also prevent further circulation or reposting of harmful material.

4. Monetary Compensation

• Victims of harassment can also seek damages for distress or loss suffered because of the harassment or falsehood.

Common Scenarios Where POHA Applies

• Online harassment: abusive social media posts, harassing DMs, WhatsApp spam.
• Doxxing: publishing someone’s personal information (address, workplace, phone number) with malicious intent.
• Workplace harassment: threats, intimidation, or bullying by colleagues or superiors.
• Stalking: repeated following, loitering, or monitoring behaviour that causes distress.
• False statements: posting untrue allegations that harm reputation.

How to Apply for a Protection Order in Singapore

1. File an application at the State Courts.
   You can apply online via the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) portal.
2. Prepare your supporting evidence.
   This can include screenshots of messages, photos, emails, CCTV footage, or witness statements.
3. Attend a court hearing.
   The Court will consider whether harassment occurred and whether a PO or EPO is necessary.
4. Enforcement of Orders.
   Breaching a PO or EPO is a criminal offence. Offenders may face fines or imprisonment.

What Evidence Should You Collect?

To strengthen your case, keep detailed records:

• Screenshots of messages, posts, or emails.
• Records of phone calls or voice messages.
• Photos or CCTV footage of stalking or threatening behaviour.
• Any witnesses who can confirm the incidents.
• Medical reports or counselling notes (if relevant to distress suffered).

Criminal vs Civil Remedies Under POHA

• Criminal: Police can investigate and prosecute harassers for offences under POHA (e.g. threats, harassment, doxxing). Penalties may include fines and imprisonment.
• Civil: Victims can apply directly to Court for protection orders or damages without waiting for police action.

Many victims use both tracks — filing a police report for criminal liability and applying for a Protection Order for immediate relief.

Why Enforcement Matters

If a harasser breaches a PO or EPO, they may be charged in court. This ensures that orders are respected and victims are protected. For repeated or serious breaches, custodial sentences are possible.

Practical Tips for Victims

• Do not engage or retaliate. Stay calm and avoid escalating matters.
• Keep a paper trail. Document every incident with time, date, and screenshots.
• Act quickly. If you are in urgent danger, apply for an Expedited Protection Order (EPO) immediately.
• Consider mediation. In less severe cases, the Court may direct parties to try mediation before proceeding.

How Can We Help

We have extensive experience assisting victims of harassment, cyberbullying, and falsehoods under POHA. Our family and litigation teams can:

• Assess whether your case qualifies under POHA.
• Prepare and file your Protection Order application.
• Gather and present evidence in the strongest way possible.
• Seek removal of offensive content and damages where appropriate.
• Represent you in Court to ensure your safety and rights are protected.

With over 30 years of serving the community, our lawyers are consistently recognised as leading family and litigation specialists by publications such as The Straits Times, Doyles Guide, Benchmark Litigation, and Asian Legal Business.

Conclusion

Harassment — whether in person, at work, or online — can take a heavy toll. The Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) gives you clear, powerful remedies to stop harassment, remove harmful content, and hold harassers accountable.

If you are experiencing harassment, stalking, or cyberbullying, contact PKWA Law today for a confidential consultation. Our team will act quickly to secure your protection and guide you through every step of the process.

Questions? Send us an email.