Women, Know Your Rights!
Sex is the most intimate part of a relationship.
But sometimes, sex can turn harmful and violent. In Singapore, there are laws to deal with sexual offenses. Many are created specifically to protect women and children as they are often the victims of sexual crimes.
Here are some laws that highlight the boundaries in sexual activities. It’s important for you to be informed about these laws and exercise your rights when you need to!
Law and Order
In Singapore, the age of consent for sexual activity is sixteen. This means it is illegal to have sex with anyone under the age of sixteen, even if consent is given.
The following table gives you information on your legal rights. These are extracted from the penal code in the Singapore Statutes, which are updated every month and can be freely accessed by the public.
Sexual Offenses |
Definition |
Legal Rights |
| Rape (Section 375 in the penal code) |
Any man who penetrates the vagina of a woman with his penis without her consent. In the case of an offense against a woman under 14 years of age (with or without consent), the offender will also be found guilty. |
Offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 20 years, and will also be fined or caned. Marital rape is trickier. No man can be guilty of rape against his wife, unless they are living apart or if the wife has a court order against her husband. However, in cases of domestic abuse, the husband can still be charged for assault and battery. |
| Sexual Assault by Penetration (Section 376 in the penal code) Rape isn’t the only type of sexual assault by penetration. This segment deals with the other types. |
Anyone who physically forces another person into penetrative sexual acts without consent. | Offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 20 years, and will also be fined or caned. For cases where the victim is under 14 years of age, the offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term of between 8 to 20 years and 12 strokes of the cane. |
| Incest (Section 376 of the penal code) |
Any man of 16 years of age and above who sexually penetrates a woman, whom he knows is his grand-daughter, daughter, sister, half-sister, mother or grandmother, whether with or without consent. The same applies vice versa for women. It is illegal for any woman of 16 years of age and above to consent her grandfather, father, brother, half-brother, son or grandson to sexually penetrate her while aware of the familial relation between them. |
Offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term which may extend to 5 years. For cases where the victim is under 14 years of age, the punishment is an imprisonment term which may extend to 14 years. |
| Outrage of Modesty (Section 354 of the penal code) |
Anyone who assaults or uses criminal force on you with the intention to outrage your modesty (or more commonly known as molestation). | Offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term which may extend to 2 years, or with fine, or with caning, or with any combination of such punishments. For cases where the victim is under 14 years of age, the offender will be sentenced to an imprisonment term which may extend to 5 years, or with fine, or with caning, or with any combination of such punishments. |
Oral and Anal Sex
With the recent amendment, oral and anal sex is now legal in Singapore if it is between consenting heterosexual adults.
The Women’s Charter
The Women’s Charter was passed in 1961 (and amended in 1996) to improve and protect the rights of women and girls in Singapore. It also functions as a legal basis for equality between husband and wife.
The Charter touches on issues from trafficking of children and women, to domestic abuse, divorce and matrimonial assets. Some examples include:
- Polygamy is illegal, meaning it is unlawful for anyone to be married to more than one spouse
- An abused and battered spouse may seek protection from the perpetrator
- It is compulsory for a husband to support his wife and children financially during marriage. In the case of divorce and if needed, the court will allow for a woman to receive financial support from her former husband.
Please click here to find out more about how your rights are protected as a woman in Singapore.
If you have been sexually victimised, there is help for you. Seek out the authorities who will inform you of your legal rights. We also advise you to get social support to recover from the trauma. Don’t let the past hinder you from living life to the fullest.
Useful Legal and Social Aid Information
|
Association of Women for Action and Research 1800 774 5935 (between 3 pm to 9.30 pm on all working days) |
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The Law Society of Singapore 6536 0650 |
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Legal Aid Bureau 1800 325 1424 (toll-free) Fax: (65) 63251402 E-mail : lab_enquiry@lab.gov.sg |
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National Council of Social Service National Council of Social Service Helplines National Council of Social Service Useful Links |
