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Anti-Harassment Law

Singapore Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) Guide 2026

Complete guide to Protection from Harassment Act (POHA Cap. 256A). Explains Protection Orders (PO), Expedited PO (EPO), doxxing, & online harassment rules.

Overview & Statutory Background

Protection against harassment, stalking, and cyberbullying in Singapore is governed by the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) (Cap. 256A) and administered by the Protection from Harassment Court (PHC). POHA provides civil and criminal remedies against harassment, stalking, doxxing, and online abuse. Victims can apply for a Protection Order (PO) or Expedited Protection Order (EPO) to order perpetrators to cease harassment or remove defamatory content. Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months (or up to S$20,000 and 18 months for repeat breaches). Use this guide to understand POHA protection rules.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Governing Statute

POHA (Cap. 256A)

Verified

Specialized Court

Protection from Harassment Court (PHC)

Verified

Court Orders

PO, EPO, & Stop Publication

Verified

Max Criminal Penalty

S$5,000 Fine & 6 Mo Jail

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Section 3 & 4 Intentionally Causing Harassment / Distress

Harassment Offense

Using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior to cause harassment or alarm.

Section 3 & 5 Doxxing Offense Framework

Anti-Doxxing

Publishing an individual's personal data (NRIC, phone, address, photo) to cause distress or violence.

Protection Order (PO) & Expedited Protection Order (EPO)

PHC Orders

Court orders commanding harasser to cease contact, remove online posts, or stay away from victim.

Section 7 Unlawful Stalking Prohibition

Anti-Stalking

Section 7 criminalizes acts of unlawful stalking (following, watching, or communicating persistently) causing harassment or distress.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Applies to all individuals in Singapore suffering from harassment, stalking, or doxxing (in person or online).

Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) provides urgent hearing procedures for Expedited Protection Orders (EPO).

Corporate entities can apply for POHA Correction Orders against false defamatory online allegations.

Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence carrying fines up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months under POHA.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Evidence Gathering & Police Report Filing

Victim compiles timestamped screenshots of harassing communications and files police report.

Online Application to Protection from Harassment Court

Submit claim for Protection Order (PO) or Expedited Protection Order (EPO) via Community Justice portal.

Duty Judge Ex-Parte Hearing for Expedited PO

For urgent cases involving ongoing harm, the Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) hears Expedited Protection Order (EPO) applications on an urgent basis.

PHC Case Management & Court Mediation Session

Attending case management conferences and court mediation sessions to attempt resolution before a full PHC trial.

Trial & Enforcement of Protection Order

District Judge grants the Protection Order for the duration specified in the order; breaching the order is a criminal offence under POHA.

Required Document Checklist

•Protection from Harassment Act (Cap. 256A, Sections 3 to 7)

•Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) Originating Application

•Screenshots of Harassing Messages, Emails, or Doxxing Posts

•Police Report (NPP) & Singpass Identity Verification

•Medical / Psychological Report detailing mental distress

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

POHA (Protection from Harassment Act) is Singapore's statutory framework protecting individuals against harassment, stalking, doxxing, and online abuse.

Doxxing is the intentional publishing of an individual's personal identity data (such as address, contact details, or photos) to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. It is illegal under POHA, carrying fines of up to S$5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

The Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) processes urgent EPO applications on an urgent basis for victims in immediate distress.

Yes. POHA covers workplace bullying, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and unwanted stalking by employers, managers, or coworkers.

Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence under POHA. Courts may impose fines of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months (or up to S$20,000 and 18 months for repeat breaches).

Yes. Corporate entities and individuals can apply for POHA Correction Orders forcing search engines or authors to publish correction notices alongside false statements.