Question 1

What is online sexual harassment?

Accepted Answer

Online sexual harassment refers to acts of gender discrimination, gender-based insults, or sexual harassment conducted through the internet, social media, text messages, emails, and other digital means. This includes but is not limited to gender-based harassment, sexual insinuations, and the malicious distribution of explicit photos.

Question 2

What are the online sexual harassment laws in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

In Singapore, online sexual harassment is a criminal offense. Under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), it is illegal to engage in malicious harassment or make harassing remarks toward others. Offenders may face fines, imprisonment, or both.

Question 3

Can I report online sexual harassment anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can report it anonymously. Many platforms and law enforcement agencies allow anonymous reports. By providing necessary evidence and a description of the incident, you can protect yourself from further harassment.

Question 4

If I experience online sexual harassment, do I have to report it to the police?

Accepted Answer

Reporting to the police is an effective option, especially if the harassment is severe or involves threats. By filing a report, you can protect yourself and help other victims. For minor harassment, you may choose to report it first to the social media platform or relevant authorities.

Question 5

How can I differentiate between online sexual harassment and a regular online disagreement?

Accepted Answer

Online sexual harassment is typically persistent and aimed at humiliating, insulting, or threatening an individual, rather than just a disagreement or argument. If you feel uncomfortable, fearful, or consistently distressed, the situation may have gone beyond a simple dispute and could be classified as harassment.

Question 6

If I’m not a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident, can I still receive legal protection if I experience online sexual harassment in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Singapore’s laws apply to everyone within its jurisdiction, regardless of nationality. You can still take the following legal actions:
Apply for a Protection Order (PO) or Expedited Protection Order (EPO) under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) to stop the harasser’s actions.

Report to the Singapore Police if the harassment involves serious offenses such as threats, blackmail, or the distribution of private photos. The police will investigate.

Report cybercrimes such as hacking, doxxing, or online harassment. Even if you're not a resident, you can still seek help from the authorities.

Question 7

What should I do if I encounter harassment on social media?

Accepted Answer

First, take screenshots to save evidence, then block the harasser and report them to the platform.

If the harassment involves threats or intimidation, you can report it to the police immediately and provide relevant evidence.

For repeated harassment, you can contact the cybercrime department.

Question 8

How can I prevent my personal information from being leaked?

Accepted Answer

Ensure that your privacy settings on social media are properly configured to prevent public access to personal details (such as your address or phone number).

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to secure your social media accounts.

Avoid clicking on links from strangers, especially phishing websites and malicious software.

Question 9

Immediate Action Guide for Women Facing Online Sexual Harassment

Accepted Answer

Immediately Collect Evidence
Ensure you have sufficient evidence for reporting or legal action:  
Take screenshots of harassment content (chat logs, comments, emails, DMs, etc.).  
Record the harasser’s information(username, ID, phone number, email, etc.).  
Save details of when, where, and how the harassment occurred.

Report to Government Authorities
1. Report to Singapore Police (For Severe Harassment or Threats)
when to apply:
Threats to personal safety (e.g., death threats, stalking).
Non-consensual sharing of intimate photos/videos.
Blackmail (e.g., threats to expose private information).

Police Hotline: 999 (Emergency) / 1800-255-0000 (Non-Emergency)
Online Report: https://www.police.gov.sg

2. Apply for a Protection Order (PO) or an Expedited Protection Order (EPO)
 When to apply:
Ongoing harassment is affecting mental well-being.
Legal action is needed to stop the harasser.

Application Website: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg

3. Report Cyber Crimes
When to report:
Hacking, online extortion, or account hijacking.
Unauthorized distribution of personal information.

Reporting Website: https://www.scamalert.sg 
Cyber Crime Hotline: +65 6325 0000

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FAQ

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