Harassed?

Threatened?

Defamed Online?

About Poha

The Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) is a statute in Singapore that protects people from harassment, threats, stalking, doxxing, and online abuse. It provides legal remedies for victims and also offers  defences for those who have been wrongly accused.

Under POHA, a person can apply to the Court for:

  • Protection Order (PO): Stops the harasser from continuing the behaviour.
  • Expedited Protection Order (EPO): An urgent, temporary order if there is immediate danger or distress.
  • False Statement / Doxxing Orders: To remove lies or harmful information posted online, and stop the spread of personal details.
  • Monetary Compensation: In some cases, victims can also claim damages.

POHA covers behaviour in person or online — such as repeated messages, threats, defamation on social media, or harassment at work or home.

If someone is wrongly accused under POHA, they can defend themselves in court to avoid unfair orders.

our services

Protection Orders

Swift court applications for urgent relief

Cyber Harassment

Online abuse and threats managed decisively

False Statements

Stop smear campaigns and misinformation

Legal Guides

Understand your rights and process

CASE STUDIES & CLIENT REVIEWS

CASE STUDY 1

Our client was falsely accused and shamed on social media. We acted quickly, filed the necessary legal applications, and successfully obtained a court order without going to trial. The defamatory posts were removed, an apology was secured, and our client was able to avoid the stress and costs of a full trial.

“I had Mr Louis and his legal executive Gelina be my legal counsel and they were communicative and empathetic throughout. I felt like they genuinely had my back and appreciated how honest Mr Louis was with me whenever I asked him for advice. Thank you for being a huge support to me during this difficult time”

CASE STUDY 2

Our client went through a difficult breakup with a colleague, who later filed a harassment suit against him in retaliation. We defended him throughout the proceedings. After a full trial, the Court dismissed her claims and ordered her to pay legal costs to our client.

“I think this is the go to lawyer for any legal issues. They really listen to your challenges and paint a realistic picture of where you stand. Mr Louis is firm yet understanding and caring if you are sincere and honest with him. I will never see another lawyer other than him for any legal matters. He has a team of dedicated and hardworking group of lawyers that readily responds and comes to your aid throughout the process. Thank you Ray Louis Corp for all your help”

CASE STUDY 3

Our client was involved in an argument with a taxi driver and was charged with a serious offence. As a result, he was unable to leave Singapore for several months and faced significant stress and uncertainty. We defended him at trial, and the Court ultimately acquitted him of all charges, allowing him to finally return home with a clear name.

“While being overseas, I was held over a petty argument in public. Stuck and worried I luckily managed to find Ray and his team. They took care of me, gave me solid advice throughout my horrible experience and eventually got my case acquitted so I could go home, Ray is a warrior in the courtroom and I would recommend him to anyone”

About

Ray Louis (Raphael Louis) is a Singapore lawyer and the founder of Ray Louis Law Corporation (raylouis.com.sg), focusing on criminal defence, personal injury, harassment (POHA), and family law matters. He has handled a wide range of cases, including complex and high-profile matters reported in major Singapore media outlets.

He is known for his calm yet firm approach in harassment cases. With over 500 verified client reviews, many clients describe him as patient, strategic, and genuinely caring — especially when they are going through fear, shame, or intimidation.  His firm has also been recognised in The Straits Times’ Singapore’s Best Law Firms list for the past four consecutive years.

He regularly represents clients in applications for Protection Orders and defends individuals who are wrongly accused of harassment. Whether someone is being threatened, stalked, defamed online, or facing false allegations, Ray Louis is experienced in:

  • Applying for Protection Orders / Expedited Protection Orders
  • Defending against unfair or false harassment claims
  • Advising on evidence, police reports, and digital proof
  • Conducting trials in the State Courts, High Court, and appeals when necessary

Ray Louis understands that harassment is not only a legal issue — it deeply affects one’s safety, dignity, and mental well-being. That is why he takes time to listen, explains the process clearly, and fights for practical outcomes — whether through mediation, court orders, or full trial.

Beyond courtrooms, Ray Louis is also an accredited mediator, a law lecturer, and has been featured in media for his work helping vulnerable individuals. His dedication to justice has earned him a Long Service Award from the Chief Justice for over a decade of pro bono service.

You can learn more about his past cases, media features and services at https://www.raylouis.com.sg/media/ . You may also connect with Ray Louis on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

Part of the Ray Louis Law network:

Ray Louis Law Corporation
https://raylouis.com.sg
https://raylouislaw.com

Practice Areas:

– Criminal Defence Lawyer Singapore
– Personal Injury Lawyer Singapore
– Divorce Lawyer Singapore
– Wills & Probate Lawyer Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions – Protection from Harassment ACt (POHA)

1. What is a Protection from Harassment Order (POHA)?
A Protection Order (PO) under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA) is issued by the Protection from Harassment Court. It is intended to stop someone from causing harassment, alarm or distress, or from publishing harmful or false statements about another person.
2. What types of conduct does POHA cover, and what are the consequences?
POHA covers behaviours such as intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress (Section 3), repeated harassment (Section 4), threats or incitement of violence (Section 5). These actions may lead to criminal penalties such as fines or imprisonment, as well as civil remedies like Protection Orders or Correction Directions. See the statute on Singapore Statutes Online.
3. Do I need a lawyer to apply for or defend a POHA application?
A lawyer is not legally required — you may file or defend a POHA application yourself in the State Court of Singapore. However, legal representation is strongly recommended because the process involves filing court documents, serving papers correctly, presenting evidence, cross-examination and, in some cases, overlapping criminal proceedings. An overview of applications is available on the Judiciary website.
4. Can POHA be used for online harassment or doxxing?
Yes. POHA applies to harassment that takes place online, including cyber-bullying, threats, stalking or doxxing (the publication of someone’s personal information with the intention to harass). More people in Singapore are turning to the courts to stop such behaviour, as reported by The Straits Times.
5. What happens if someone breaches a Protection Order?
Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence under POHA. If an order is ignored, the protected person may report the breach to the police or apply to the court for enforcement. The respondent may face fines, imprisonment or be found in contempt of court. See the State Courts’ overview on Protection from Harassment.