Problems of Violence against Women and Children:  Measures for Prevention and Problem Solving

 

The problems of violence against women and children are among the most important problems which presenting obstacles to the country’s development. Many women and children have to suffer  various forms of physical, mental and sexual violence in families, households, schools, workplaces or even in public places, while the society as a whole still lack understanding and awareness of the problems. Many victims of violence, therefore, never receive proper assistance and treatment.

 
1. The meaning of “violence against women and children”

The United Nations has defined ‘violence against women’ in the international declaration on the elimination of violence against women as ‘ any actions of violence that are caused by gender prejudice, which cause suffering for women including coercions, threats, and deprivation of freedom both in public and private life”. As for ‘children’, the United Nations convention on the rights of the child has defined children as ‘persons who are under 18 years old, and ‘violence against children’ as ‘when a child receives treatments from adults, whether in, or outside the family, which are considered unacceptable according to the social and traditional context at the time being, causing the child to be endangered, injured, or physically, mentally, or sexually affected. This also includes the negligence in supplying the child basic needs such as food, healthcare and upbringing.

 
2. State of the Problems

The forms of violence against women and children may be concluded as the following:

1. Domestic violence
2. Marital rape
3. Sexual abuses of women and children in public places.
4. Sexual, physical and verbal abuses  of women in workplaces
5. Problems of drug abuses, addictions and entertainment places in children.
6. Various forms of pornography
7. Various forms of violent punishment of children in schools
8. Violence of children against children.
 
3. The causes

A number of violence against women and children are caused  by the values and attitudes of the patriarchal society, which tends to perceive men as more important  as leaders and the bearer of continuance of the family line, thus resulting in the traditional belief in gender inequality of women and men.

 

Additionally, wrong perception of people who tend to regard domestic violence as private matter, of which those who are not in the family shouldn’t get involve, and the belief that violence against women are caused by the women themselves make people feel that they should not try to get involve, nor to assist either the victims or the government officials.

 
4. The effects of violence against women and children

Effects on victims

1)  Children who are victims to violence often suffer mental problems. They are often scared, as well as lack trust and self confidence. Also, these children are often offensive and tend to use violence as means of solving problems. Children who are victims to sexual violence also tend to suffer sexual disorientation and try to treat other people the way that they’re treated.

 

2) Women who are victims to physical and sexual violence suffered injuries, disabilities or even death. They could have been pregnant, and probably end up with abortion or unwanted child, leading to further social problems, HIV/AIDS or other sexual diseases.

 

3) Women who are victims of violence have to endure mental suffering such as loss of confidence, shame, and fear of social disdain. They are often stressed, scared or mentally disordered if having to suffer repeated violence.

 

Effects on the victims’ family
    1. Family ceases to function as social institution, as family relation is disrupted.
    2. More divorces, causing effects on children.
 

Effects on the community and the society
1. Family quarrels and fights often cause disturbance in the neighborhood and community.
2. Unstable family institution negatively affects the society, economy, politics and the environment as a whole.
3.Life quality of the future citizen are affected.
 
5. Actions/Implementations by various concerned units

The prevention and solution for violence problems require assistance from experts in various units/ organizations, both in the public and private sectors, namely :

    1. Physical treatments by medical doctors and nurses
    2. Mental treatments by psychiatrists and psychologists.
    3. Legal assistance by police, lawyers, attorneys and judges.
    4. Social welfares and rehabilitation by social workers
 

This kind of operation is called “multidisciplinary”.

 

6. Actions/Implementations by the Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development

The Office of  Women’s Affairs and  Family Development (OWAFD)  of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,  have the responsibility to take care of women and children who are victims of violence and to promote development of healthy family as to provide immunity for family life, which include promoting cooperation of various sectors involved under the Policy and Strategies for Family Development B.E. 2547 – 2556.

 

In addition, the OWAFD has implemented numbers of measures to eliminate violence against women and children as the following :

    1. Prevention measures
    2. Measures for problem solving and amelioration
    3. Legal measures
    4. Database of victims of violence, which may be accessed via : http://www.violence.in.th
 

White Ribbon: The Sign for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The white ribbon is the sign for campaigning on the elimination of violence against women among men.  Putting the white ribbon badge on means to say that men won’t commit, nor stand any acts of violence against women. The White Ribbon Campaign, therefore, is the campaign to promote awareness among men and everyone in the society to change their attitude and behaviours of using violence as means to solve problems, and to create network among people to prevent and find solution for problems of violence against women.

 

Pakorn Lumps (Dome)

Behaving like a gentleman is men’s charm. Thus, men should preserve this quality by not committing violence against women.

 

Tawan Jarujinda

Domestic violence won’t happen if we talk nicely, with reasons and understanding. Family is very important, so family members should take care of each other.

 

Patanachai Pakdeesuk (Pup Potato)

Domestic violence affects children. Fights among parents, although children may not be physically hurt, affect children mentally. Thus, I would request everyone to control themselves, and to behave consciously and reasonably in solving problem, which is the best way.

 

Pasit  Apinyawat (Kai)

Women who are victims to violence shouldn’t keep quiet, as their area number of organizations that would be able to provide assistance, and work hard to truly eliminate the problem from our society.

 

Preeti  Barameeanant (Bank, a member of ‘Clash’ music band)

I have been thought by my family to be nice to other people. Thus, I consider family upbringing as very important. Children who are victims to domestic violence often use violence when they grow up.