This page gives more information on what you can expect if you wish to:
- Make a police report of sexual assault or sexual harassment, or
- File a Magistrate’s Complaint of non-physical sexual harassment.
These can lead to criminal proceedings. This means that the perpetrator may be tried in court for a crime. If found guilty, they may face punishment (jail, fine and/or caning, depending on the crime).
Other kinds of complaints may also be suitable for your case.
- For an overview of all kinds of complaints you could make, visit our page on filing a complaint.
- This page gives information on using the Protection from Harassment Act (for cases of physical or non-physical sexual harassment).
- This page (on the AWARE website) gives information on getting Personal Protection Orders (for cases of sexual assault or sexual harassment from a family member).
Making a police report
Remember, it is your choice whether to make a police report of the incident.
If you decide to make a report, the earlier you make a report, the easier it is for the police to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator.
But you can make a police report any time after the incident, no matter how long it has been. The police will be obliged to investigate whenever a report is made.
Alternatively, you can call 999 or visit the nearest police centre or police post to file a report. The 999 hotline and police centres operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find your nearest police centre/post here.
The flowchart below shows a brief summary of the process of making a police report.
Do note that this procedure may vary with different police stations and different officers.
This video explains changes made by the Singapore Police Force to investigative processes and court procedures, in order to create a safer space for victims of sexual crimes.
What is a medical forensic examination?
NOTE
You are required to make a police report before doing a medical forensic examination (sometimes referred to as a “rape kit”). You cannot independently request for this exam. A guardian’s signature is also required on the medical form if you are under 21 years of age.
It is possible to do a medical forensic examination in order to preserve evidence.
If you wish to do this, you will first have to file a police report, after which you will be escorted by an officer to a hospital to have the exam. This exam will be performed by a forensic examiner with specialised training.
The examiner will require a full complete and thorough medical history, as well as conduct a full physical examination, including around the genital area. Tests also involve the medical staff taking samples of semen and hair to conduct DNA testing. It may include:
- Collection of blood, urine, hair and other body secretion samples
- Photo documentation
- Collection of clothing, especially undergarments
- Collection of any possible physical evidence that may have transferred onto you from the scene
Physical evidence should be collected within 72 hours of the assault.
On a case-to-case basis, the police may be able to bring you to do a full medical check-up even after the 72 hour window has passed.
Filing a Magistrate’s Complaint
If you have faced non-physical sexual harassment, the police may not investigate based on a police report alone.
To encourage police investigation, you can also make a complaint to the State Court which is called a Magistrate’s Complaint.
You can file a Magistrate’s Complaint at the Complaints Counter of the Crime Registry (Level 1, State Courts) (map). You will need:
- A Magistrate’s Complaint form
- A photocopy of your IC
- A photocopy of the police report (if you have made one)
- A fee of at least $20. The exact amount depends on the complexity of your case.
After considering the complaint, the court may do one of the following:
- Direct the police to investigate the complaint. Depending on the result of the investigations, there may be criminal proceedings against the other party.
- Order mediation between you and the other party.
- Dismiss the complaint (i.e. nothing more happens).
More information about Magistrate’s Complaints can be found at this page on the State Court website.
Befrienders
A befriender can accompany those who need to talk to the police or go to hospitals or the courts.
Befrienders are trained to provide information and emotional support as you move forward through a sexual assault case. They can accompany you to hospitals for medical aid, the police stations to report your case, and the courts for the proceedings. They are familiar with how these processes work and can help you answer practical questions about the police, hospitals or court. Our befrienders’ presence have also helped many who are fearful of facing the Respondent (their assailant) face-to-face at mentions or hearings.
Call us (6779 0282) or email us at sacc@aware.org.sg for more details.
