By Namfah Pibulsonggram
Mind-blowing statistics such as domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined, or one in three women experience domestic violence (Pressreader, 2019) puts in perspective the catastrophic ongoing crisis that happens behind closed doors. However, such an inhumane experience should gain society's utmost attention as these women deserve some peace and justice for they are courageous for standing up to individuals who hurt them so painfully whether emotionally or physically.
Beyond physical scarring and injuries, studies have found that victims may develop severe psychological issues such as anxiety, and depression and more diseases may also develop. Not only do they have serious outcomes for the person but domestic violence may impact others around as well. A important but often foreign term, ‘cycle of violence’ is defined as a loop of domestic violences that is passed on from abuser to the victim who turns into the abuser and the cycle continues restarting itself.The science behind this is simple, kids understand that violence is normal as that is all they have lived with and think it appropriate to carry out this activity to their own children or when in a intimate relationship.This is because kids learn from their parental figures and will imitate what has been engraved in their minds when they were adolescents therefore it is critical to break this cycle as generations down the line will be impacted negatively.However, this cycles doesn't always happens and luckily some of the times it gets broken by the victim.
I've talked previously about the importance of learning the law, in this case, it shows another instance where the law saves lives.Some people may be afraid that others would not believe their claims because society may be horrible at times. However, some individuals will not admit that they are being exploited because they are not aware of their rights or the laws in place to protect victims.The law is here to protect all citizens hence the thai criminal code states “an individual who inflicts harm, whether physical or psychological, upon another is considered to have committed bodily harm. The prescribed punishment for such an offence includes imprisonment for a maximum period of two years or a fine not exceeding four thousand Baht, or a combination of both penalties.” (Domestic violence in Thailand, 2023) Victims should alway tell authorities however sadly in some cases they may be too afraid to reach out due to economic barriers but public attorney’s will always be available for support.
The issue of domestic violence can not be ignored by society and we must acknowledge the severity of it by raising awareness. The victims suffer all sorts of injuries both mentally and physically, also future generations may be at risk as well.If you notice any signs of domestic abuse report to your local police immediately as some victims are unable to leave as their lives are in danger By raising awareness about the issue and educating ourselves as well as our loved ones about how the law protects us. Also, how can we go to services that will protect us and bring us justice without fear of retaliation? We must endeavour to create a culture in which domestic abuse is not tolerated and survivors may recover securely.
Bibliography
Pressreader. “PressReader.com - Connecting People through News.” Pressreader.com, PressReader, 2019, www.pressreader.com/.
“Domestic Violence in Thailand - G.A.M. Legal Alliance.” Gam-Legalalliance.com, 2023, gam-legalalliance.com/thai-statutory-laws/domestic-violence-in-thailand/#:~:text=Code. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
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