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A Restraining Order is a legal directive from Singapore's courts that requires someone to stop specific actions or stay away from certain people or places. Courts can issue these orders to protect individuals from harassment, violence, or unwanted contact - including cases of family violence under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA).

These orders carry serious legal weight, with violations potentially resulting in fines or jail time. When granted, they can restrict the subject from approaching within a set distance, making contact through any means, or visiting particular locations like homes or workplaces. The police can arrest violators immediately, providing swift protection for those at risk.

Consider seeking a Restraining Order when you face persistent harassment, stalking, or threats to your safety in Singapore. Common situations include domestic violence, cyberstalking, workplace harassment, or unwanted contact from former partners. The order becomes crucial when regular police reports haven't stopped the concerning behavior.

File for the order immediately if you experience physical violence, threats of harm, repeated unwanted contact, or if someone is following you or showing up at your home or workplace uninvited. Under POHA, you can apply through the Protection Order Services portal or seek help from Family Service Centres. Quick action helps ensure your safety and creates a legal record of the harassment.

• Personal Protection Order (PPO): Protects against family violence from relatives or household members. Includes power to exclude the aggressor from shared residence.
• Expedited Order (EO): Provides immediate temporary protection while waiting for PPO hearing. Usually valid for 28 days.
• Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO): Specifically bars the aggressor from entering the shared home, either entirely or during certain hours.
• Protection Order (PO): Guards against harassment from any person under POHA, including cyberbullying and workplace harassment.
• Non-Publication Direction (NPD): Prevents publishing of information that identifies the victim, especially in online harassment cases.

• Protected Persons: Individuals seeking protection from harassment, violence, or unwanted contact - including family members, employees facing workplace harassment, or victims of stalking.
• Respondents: People against whom the Restraining Order is issued, requiring them to stop specific behaviors or maintain distance.
• Courts: Singapore's Family Justice Courts or State Courts that review applications and issue orders.
• Law Enforcement: Police officers who enforce the order and respond to violations.
• Social Service Agencies: Organizations providing support and guidance to applicants throughout the process.

• Documentation: Gather evidence of harassment or threats - including police reports, messages, photos, medical reports, and witness statements.
• Personal Details: Compile accurate identification and contact information for both yourself and the person you're seeking protection from.
• Incident Timeline: Create a detailed chronological record of all relevant incidents, including dates, times, and locations.
• Safety Assessment: Document immediate safety concerns and specific behaviors you want the court to prohibit.
• Application Forms: Complete required court forms through the Protection Order Services portal, ensuring all mandatory fields are filled accurately.

• Identification Details: Full names, NRIC/FIN numbers, and addresses of both protected person and respondent.
• Prohibited Actions: Clear, specific descriptions of behaviors the respondent must stop or avoid.
• Physical Boundaries: Exact distances and locations the respondent must stay away from.
• Duration: Start date and expiration date of the order's validity.
• Legal Authority: Citation of relevant Singapore laws (POHA or Women's Charter).
• Enforcement Terms: Consequences of violation and procedures for reporting breaches.
• Court Details: Official court seal, case number, and issuing judge's signature.

A Restraining Order differs significantly from a Cease and Desist Order in several important ways, though both are legal instruments designed to stop unwanted behavior.

• Enforcement Power: Restraining Orders are court-issued orders with immediate police enforcement power. Violations can result in arrest. Cease and Desist Orders are typically formal warnings without immediate arrest powers.
• Application Process: Restraining Orders require court filing and hearing processes. Cease and Desist Orders can be issued privately through legal representation.
• Scope of Protection: Restraining Orders include physical distance requirements and comprehensive protection measures. Cease and Desist Orders usually focus on specific activities like intellectual property infringement or business disputes.
• Duration: Restraining Orders have defined validity periods with court-monitored enforcement. Cease and Desist Orders serve more as preliminary steps toward legal action.