A Landmark Shift in Defining Family Violence
In just the first quarter of 2025, Singapore courts received 549 applications for personal protection orders. This surge reflects the expanded definition of family violence, which now recognises emotional and psychological abuse as serious forms of harm.
As someone who has walked alongside clients for decades, I see this change as long overdue. The law is finally acknowledging what we in family practice have long understood: gaslighting, intimidation, and coercive control can wound just as deeply as physical violence.
Finding Their Voice
I have witnessed clients who once doubted themselves because there were no visible bruises. They would say, “Maybe it’s just me… maybe it doesn’t count.” Today, those same individuals are walking into courtrooms with courage, armed with documented threats, psychiatric evaluations, and testimonies of the psychological manipulation that has overshadowed their lives.
One client recently shared with me, “I started to confidently share my story. I don’t need to hide or be scared of anything.” That moment reminded me why this shift matters so deeply. This is therapeutic justice in action, where the law not only protects but begins to heal.
The Challenge of Evidence
Despite the progress, evidence remains one of the greatest hurdles. Psychological scars are real but often invisible. We advise our clients to:- Document incidents consistently.
- Seek medical or psychiatric evaluations.
- Keep records of communications that show patterns of coercion.
My Reflection
This evolution in the law is not just a legal milestone, it is a human one. It validates the lived experiences of survivors who have endured years of silence. It tells them: your suffering matters, and you deserve protection.
As I reflect on this shift, I see a society moving closer to justice that truly understands the many faces of violence. And with every case, I am reminded that when the law evolves, so does the courage of those who step forward to use it.
