Family Violence Protection

Family violence can be defined as violence committed by one to another in a family, endangering the safety and wellbeing of a family member. 

The violence can take different forms, including physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, financial and neglect. It can also take place within various family relationships, such as between husband and wife, parent and child, and siblings. 

Abusive behaviour can include:

• Physical: hitting, pushing, choking, slapping
• Psychological: stalking, gaslighting, threatening to kill, threatening to commit suicide if family members do not follow their wishes
• Emotional: calling someone demeaning names, humiliation, exerting control over where you go and who you meet
• Sexual: forced sex 
• Financial: extortion of money
• Neglect: denial of care, isolation

The legitimacy of abuse is not determined by the severity of the physical consequences but by the intention and impact of the harm posed to the victim’s wellbeing.

If you would like to speak to someone about family violence, call us at 6476 1482 (weekdays 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm; except public holidays) or email us at projectstart@carecorner.org.sg.

Should you be in immediate danger, call the police (999) or go to your nearest neighbourhood police station. Alternatively, you may call the 24-hr National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) at 1800-777-0000.

If you are facing family violence, you have several options for help that may depend on the nature of the emergency and the level of violence:

• Seek help from the police: Call 999 for the police or go to the nearest neighbourhood police station.  
• Seek medical examination or treatment: You can seek medical attention at your nearest hospital.
• Go to a social service agency: Call us 6476 1482 (weekdays 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm; except public holidays) or go to the nearest family service centre if you need someone to talk to. Social workers will be able to work through with you the concerns you are experiencing and discuss ways to keep you safe.
• ​Seek temporary shelter: If you need to leave your home immediately, you can seek shelter with your trusted relatives or friends. If that is not possible, a social service agency or the police (999) can provide you with information on alternative shelter options.
• Apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO): A PPO is an order restraining the abuser from committing family violence against you or your family. We assist in your PPO application with the Family Justice Courts. If you are below 21, you will need a parent, guardian or an appointed social worker to apply on your behalf. To apply for a PPO, call us at 64761482 to make an appointment or head down to the Family Justice Courts.

Our main priority is to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe. 

1. Establishing a safety plan: We will work with you (and possibly your support network such as your family, neighbours and friends) to reduce the recurrence of violence.
2. Meeting your needs: Based on the goals and consent of you and your family, our social work practitioners will work with you to manage the issues experienced at home, including practical needs, accommodation, parenting concerns and more.
   

In the event of a life-threatening situation or if there are vulnerable family members placed at risk of harm, our social work practitioners will work with relevant health and statutory agencies to meet your safety needs.

A safety plan focuses on the things you can do in advance to better prepare for an escalation of tension or an incident of violence. 

Plan for your safety

Begin by looking at your situation and assessing what you can do to help you feel safer. It is helpful to be mindful of the options and resources (e.g. monetary, services, formal and informal support, accommodation) that may be available to you in the event of a crisis. Possible considerations to plan for your safety include:

• Have a list of emergency numbers such as numbers of nearest police post, medical services, trusted family and friends who can extend support to you during crisis situations.
• Pack an emergency bag and keep it somewhere safe (for example, at a family member or friend’s house). The emergency bag should contain: 
  • Some form of identification (e.g., IC, work permit, passport and birth certificate)
  • Money, bankbooks, credit and debit cards 
  • Keys for house and car (Prepare an extra set of keys) 
  • Prescribed medication 
  • Clothing and toiletries  
  • Documentation of the abuse (e.g., police report and court order) 
• Share with a trusted person about the family situation and seek the person’s support to check in on your well being frequently. 
• In the event of an escalation, avoid places in the house where you may be trapped or where there are likely to be dangerous objects (e.g. knives). When it is safe and you are able to do so, go to the nearest police station or a Family Service Centre for assistance.

If you know a relative, friend, colleague or neighbour who is in an abusive relationship, express your concern and encourage them to speak to our social worker. 

• Keep calm: Hearing about an abusive relationship can be tough, take a moment to re-focus on the needs of the victim before offering your support.
• Listen without judgement: Remind them it was not their fault, express support and let them know you believe them
• Contact relevant agencies: Call us at 6476 1482, 999 for the police or other agencies that can help. Do not be afraid that you might be meddling in others’ issues. By speaking out for them, you can help save someone from abuse and make a difference to their life. 

You can file for protection from family violence committed by a family member:

• Spouse or ex-spouse
• Child, including an adopted child or stepchild
• Parent
• Parent-In-law
• Sibling 
• Any other relative who the Court may regard as a member of your family 

We assist victims of family violence in their PPO application with the Family Justice Courts. To apply for a PPO, call us at 6476 1482 or head down to the Family Justice Courts.

If you are below the age of 21, you will require a parent, guardian or an appointed social worker to apply on your behalf. As the application process can take about 4 to 6 hours, making an appointment with us is necessary to ensure that we  have someone to attend to you. The application and court process can be found here.