If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment (physical or non-physical), there are several options for filing a complaint with the authorities.
Criminal proceedings
Some complaints can result in criminal proceedings. This means the perpetrator may be tried in court for a crime. If found guilty, they could be punished (jail, fine and/or caning, depending on the crime).
Some complaints can help you get a court order requiring the perpetrator to stop their conduct. If they do not comply, that may result in criminal proceedings.
Four types of complaint can lead to criminal proceedings or these court orders:
-
- Make a police report. (For sexual assault or sexual harassment (both physical or non-physical).)
- File a Magistrate’s Complaint. (For non-physical sexual harassment.)
- Apply for a Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) order. (For sexual harassment (physical or non-physical).)
- Apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) (AWARE website). (For sexual assault or sexual harassment (physical or non-physical), but only if the perpetrator is a family member.)
If you are not comfortable with pursuing a criminal case, you may file other types of complaints.
Other types of complaint
- Complaints related to employer or employment. Sexual assault or sexual harassment may take place while you and/or the perpetrator are at work (including on business trips or social events).
- Your employer or the perpetrator’s employer may have a disciplinary policy or Code of Conduct covering this behaviour and setting out a complaints procedure. Even if there is no policy, you can approach your line manager or HR department.
- For more practical advice or emotional support, you may contact SACC or AWARE’s Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory.
- You may also report workplace sexual harassment directly to the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP).
- Complaint related to school or institution. Sexual assault or sexual harassment may take place in an educational setting (including on student trips or social events). The institution may have a policy or Code of Conduct covering this behaviour and setting out a complaints procedure. Even if there is no policy, you can approach the personnel responsible for student or staff welfare.
- Complaint related to neighbours. If the sexual assault or sexual harassment involves a neighbour, you can consider approaching the Community Mediation Centre (under the Ministry of Law).
- Complaint related to children. If the sexual assault or sexual harassment involves a child (below 14) or young person (14 to 16), you can contact the Child Protection and Welfare Service (under the Ministry of Social and Family Development).
- Civil lawsuit. A victim of sexual assault or sexual harassment can sue the perpetrator for compensation. A lawyer has to be appointed to represent the victim in court. SACC cannot act for victims in court, but you can call (6779 0282) or email (sacc@aware.org.sg) to get preliminary legal information.
Depending on your situation, other forms of complaint may be available. These generally do not result in criminal proceedings. SACC does not provide a befriender to accompany victims for meetings with organisations, institutions, neighbours etc. but we are happy to provide information if you would like to reach out to us.
Feedback
We strive for everyone in our community to receive the best possible support. We welcome feedback, good or bad, from people who have accessed Sexual Assault Care Centre services. Please provide your feedback to us using this form.
No Abuse Tolerated
We reserve the right to refuse our services to callers or clients who are abusive towards AWARE volunteers and staff. Abuse is any unwelcome, unwarranted and uninvited conduct or behaviour that discomfits, demeans, humiliates, insults, threatens, intimidates, alarms, distresses, offends, bullies, coerces, exploits or otherwise violates the dignity of another individual. This includes verbal and physical abuse, bullying, intimidation, stalking, unwelcome sexual attention and misogynist, racist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic and ableist remarks.
Related Links
Talk to us
What is sexual assault?
What is consent?
Legal information
