Family Violence is defined in the Women’s Charter as (i) physical abuse, (ii) sexual abuse, or (iii) emotional or psychological abuse, against a family member.

It includes any of the following acts:
Physical Abuse
(a) Causes or threatens to cause personal injury or physical pain;
(b) Threatening one with death or injury; or
(c) Wrongfully confining or restraining one against his/her will
But does not include force lawfully used in self-defence or by way of correction towards a child below 18 years of age.

Sexual Abuse
(a) Coerces or attempts to coerce one to engage in sexual activity

Emotional or Psychological Abuse
(a) Acts which torments, intimidates, harasses, or distresses a person; or
(b) Acts which causes or may reasonably be expected to cause mental harm to one, including thoughts of suicide or inflicting self-harm

Family members include:
• Spouse or ex-spouse
• Child, including an adopted child or step-child
• Parents
• Parents-in-law
• Brothers or sisters
• Any other relative who in the court’s opinion should be regarded as a family member

Abuse can either be a single instance of conduct/behaviour or continuous in nature.

For more information, you may visit https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/family/protection-against-family-violence and refer to the various guides available under "Resources" at the bottom of the page.