Gloria James-Civetta & Co. is pleased to share that Gloria James-Civetta’s legal update on Singapore’s family violence reforms has been featured in the August 2026 Legal Update published by the UIA – Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers) through its Family Law Commission.
The publication examines Singapore’s significant amendments to the Women’s Charter 1961, which took effect on 2 January 2025. These reforms expand the legal definition of family violence to expressly include emotional and psychological abuse, reflecting a broader understanding that abuse extends beyond physical harm.
The article also outlines the strengthened protective measures now available, including enhanced Personal Protection Orders (PPOs), Emergency Orders, rehabilitation programmes, and increased penalties for breaches of court orders. It further discusses recent Singapore court decisions that clarify the threshold for obtaining a PPO, emphasising that while the law recognises psychological harm, not every family disagreement or unpleasant interaction will amount to family violence.
As a proud member of the UIA (International Association of Lawyers), Gloria James-Civetta & Co. remains committed to contributing to international legal discussions and sharing developments in Singapore law with the global legal community.
