Everything About the New Protection from Harassment Court in S’pore Summarised for You

If you’re a victim of harassment, be it physical or sexual, a speedy and heavy-handed response from the authorities is what you need.

Otherwise, the offender can continue to harass you, causing psychological distress that could have easily been prevented.

This unnecessary bureaucracy may soon be a thing of the past, however, thanks to the formation of a specialised court.

New Specialised Court For Victims of Harassment 

Today (1 June), a specialised court dedicated to dealing with cases of harassment opened to streamline legal procedures for victims.

The new Protection from Harassment Court will handle cases of sexual, workplace, and online harassment, as well as those between neighbours and doxxing. 

So, how will this new court make it easier for them to seek legal relief?

Can File Claims Online, Including Protection Orders

Previously, victims of harassment making claims had to file originating summons with a supporting affidavit in person.

This was the case even if they were filing a Protection Order (PO), which is designed to protect the victim from harassment.

Now, however, all victims have to do is file a claim online by logging into the State Courts’ Community Justice and Tribunals System.

Claims can be submitted online, provided they:

• Involve only one claimant and no more than five accused persons
• Were submitted within two years from the date that the harassment took place
• Do not include a claim for damages exceeding S$20,000

Accelerated Hearings

Hearings for cases of harassment will also be conducted more swiftly.

When it comes to a PO, for example, the Protection from Harassment Court has set the following targets for cases to be heard:

• Within 24 hours for Expedited Protection Order (EPO) applications with a risk of violence or actual violence
• Within 48 to 72 hours for EPO applications with no violent element
• Within four weeks for ordinary PO applications

A PO can be filed for everything, from workplace bullying and stalking to doxxing and sexual harassment.

Victims Won’t Have to Relive Their Experience More Than Necessary

Another welcome change for victims of harassment is that they won’t have to relive their experience more than necessary while going through legal procedures.

In the past, before a victim could be granted a PO, it had to be proven that the accused had broken a law.

Now, however, if the accused has been convicted of any crime under the Act or hurt-related offence against the victim in the past, this requirement will be deemed satisfied.

There will also be enhanced protection for victims, as POs and EPOs will be extended to protect persons related to the victim, since they too may be harassed by the same perpetrator.

What’s more, judges granting EPOs will now be required to consider whether a criminal investigation is warranted.

Certain Types of Cases May Not Be Heard by the New Court

There are some cases of harassment, however, that may be handed over to another, more suitable court.

For instance, harassment which occurs during a couple’s divorce proceedings, may be handled by the Family Court.

Transfers from the Protection from Harassment Court to the District Court or Magistrate’s Court will begin today (1 Jun), but transfers to the Family Court will only come into effect at a later date.

Feature Image: kuzmaphoto / Shutterstock.com