Violence against women did not just hurt the victims but also the whole society, as people would start taking the violence for granted, Whaf network and communications officer Jittima Phanutecha said at a book launch.

"Some even feel that the victims deserved the attacks or that it was only an individual unfortunate incident," she said.

Whaf and the Thai Journalists Association brought out a pamphlet on "Guidelines for Reporting on Sexuality Issues", such as rapes, abortion and premature sex.

They said showing the victims' photos and providing details that could identity them could wreck their lives.

The groups also want the media to stop using biased words against female victims or suspects, such as "Mae Jai Yak Ting Look" (a cruel mother abandons her child) whenever an unwanted baby was found.

Ninnete Surarat

The Nation