Women’s networks in Thailand are calling for more stringent measures to tackle violence against women which is considered the most widespread human rights violation in the world.
Friends of Women Foundation manager Jadet Chaovilai and other activists have submitted a petition against maltreatment of women in the country on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25. The Thai government has also designated November as the month to stop abuse to children and women.
The United Nations General Assembly has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The premise of the day is to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence and to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden.
The foundation has proposed new initiatives on the issue which include providing in-depth information on Thailand’s pioneering One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) to prevent violence against women and girls and the law protecting sufferers of domestic abuse. Thailand has joined UN Women’s newest global initiative, COMMIT, in April.
The suggestions further include development of mechanisms to rehabilitate those involved in domestic violence and the provision of more fund and resources to community development organizations.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has earlier launched a campaign to stop all violence against children and women for 365 days this year. Social Development and Human Security Minister Paveena Hongsakul said the “People’s Voice” campaign has raised awareness about the violence against women and children.
Ms Paveena made known that the OSCC has so far received over 10,000 complaints relating to violence against children and women. Over 900 of the complaints are in connection with domestic problems.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra previously vowed to stop violence and abuse towards women and children. The prime minister said cooperation on ending violence must come from all parties. She insisted that the government has been planning and campaigning to assist victims of violence of all kinds, regardless of sex, age and nationality, adding that her administration has put gender equality at the heart of policies and planning.
Forty one per cent of ever-partnered women in Bangkok and 47 per cent in rural Nakhon Sawan are reported having experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
