Woman in S'pore verbally abuses daughter, 7, for 3 months, father granted PPO for her against wife: ST

According to the Straits Times (ST), a man in Singapore was granted a personal protection order (PPO) for his seven-year-old daughter against his wife, following allegations of sustained verbal and emotional abuse.

Verbal abuse

The man, George (not his real name), claimed that his wife would lose her temper easily and take it out on their daughter, leaving the child terrified of her.

After their daughter began primary school, his wife would reportedly yell at her almost every day for three months over both minor and major mistakes.

On one occasion, she allegedly hurled vulgarities at the girl, called her names and threatened to stab her in the eye after she failed to spell a word correctly.

She even went so far as to tell her daughter to kill herself.

George described the incidents as excessive and said the emotional abuse was persistent.

Social worker visit prompted further action

One day, a social worker visited the family after neighbours alerted authorities upon hearing loud shouting, ST reported.

The visit alarmed George, who later placed an audio recording device at home to better understand the extent of the scolding.

He also sought advice from a psychologist, who warned him about the potential long-term psychological effects on the child and encouraged him to seek legal help.

George subsequently submitted the audio recordings of his wife's behaviour to the Family Justice Courts, which granted a PPO for his daughter in late 2025.

His application came after amendments to the Women’s Charter took effect in January 2025, expanding the legal definition of family violence to include emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.

What is a PPO?

A PPO is a court order than restrains a family member from committing family violence against another person, their children or other relatives.

The court issues the order when it determines that family violence has occurred, or is likely to occur, and that protection is necessary.

PPOs are typically granted after a trial unless the respondent agrees to the order.

Supporting evidence such as medical or police reports may also strengthen an application.

Other related legal measures include:

• Expedited Order (EO): Temporary PPO issued when there is imminent danger of violence and generally lasts up to 28 days or until the court hearing, unless extended.
• Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO): An order that prevents or restricts the alleged perpetrator from entering all or parts of the shared home.

As emotional abuse usually occurs in private and rarely leaves visible physical evidence, courts often have to assess competing accounts, particularly when allegations are denied.

Even when behaviour is proven, applicants still have to prove that it crosses the legal threshold for emotional or psychological abuse rather than amounting to poor parenting or isolated family conflict.

Evidence such as text messages, as well as audio and video recordings, can support PPO applications. Expert or medical assessments documenting harm may also be helpful.

Not a complete solution

Unfortunately for George, obtaining the PPO did not immediately stop his wife's behaviour and he is still considering his next steps, ST reported.

According to the Singapore Judiciary, breaches of a PPO should be reported to the police, who will investigate and determine whether charges should be filed.

A person who breaches a PPO, EO or DEO can face up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.

For repeat offenders, they can face up to 12 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

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