Bangkok Strives to Address Alarming Levels of Violence Against Women and Children
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, has been identified as the leading hotspot for violence against women and children, prompting urgent action from the government. According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Bangkok has reported the highest number of complaints related to violence against these vulnerable groups.
Since the opening of the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC) on November 1st, a staggering 2,195 complaints have been received. While the majority of calls pertained to services advice and welfare for the elderly, newborns, and individuals with disabilities, it is the distressing reports of violence that have raised the most concern.
Over the span of just five days (November 1st-5th), the HuSEC received an average of 13 reports of domestic violence per day. Shockingly, 60% of these attacks were perpetrated by family members themselves. Among all the complaints, Bangkok accounted for the highest number, with an alarming 26 cases reported daily.
In response to the critical situation, the HuSEC has taken an active approach by deploying a mobile unit and a multi-disciplinary team to provide immediate assistance and protection for domestic violence victims in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. This specialized unit is committed to ensuring the safety of those affected by violence and working towards justice.
One distressing case that shed light on the gravity of the issue involved a 3-year-old child who was subjected to assault by both his mother and stepfather in Pathum Thani. Kanchana Silpa-archa, an advisor to the ministry’s strategy working group, recently visited the young victim at Thammasat University Hospital. Fortunately, the child’s condition has improved since the incident, but it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle these acts of violence.
In addressing the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, Minister Varawut Silpa-archa outlined crucial measures the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security plans to implement. These include providing a living allowance to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and caregivers of newborn babies. Furthermore, beginning December 1st, the ministry aims to increase the food allowance for children under the ministry’s guardianship.
State ministries are also proactively reducing citizens’ daily expenses, encompassing water and electricity bills, as well as the cost of fuel. These efforts aim to alleviate financial burdens and create a safer and more secure environment for all.
In addition to the pressing issue of violence against women and children, HuSEC is also engaged in supporting Thai returnees from Israel. Offering advice to approximately 8,348 returnees, the center has assisted 300 individuals in returning to their home provinces, ensuring their well-being and smooth reintegration into society.
As Bangkok grapples with the troubling problem of violence against women and children, the government’s swift action and commitment to enhanced welfare measures provide hope for a safer future. Nevertheless, addressing this issue requires collaboration from all sectors of society to protect the vulnerable and build a society free from violence.
