Behind closed doors

Most people would not intervene if they witnessed domestic violence occurring, according to Abac Poll.

Of 1,021 respondents in a recent Bangkok survey, 62.9 per cent said they would do nothing if  they were faced with a scene of domestic abuse.

"They insist that it's a family matter," said Abac Poll Research Centre director Noppadon Kannika, disclosing the findings of the survey, held between October 16 and November 3, at a press con ference yesterday. According to the findings, though 65.2 per cent of those polled recognise that a call to the police would probably stop the abuse, they would still stand by and do nothing.

Also present for the announcement were representatives from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the Justice Ministry, the Friends of Women Foundation, the UN Development Fund for Women, and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

"We urgently need to create a new attitude in society by making clear that domestic violence is not a private or family matter," said Wilasinee Adulyanon of ThaiHealth "To fight it, cases have to be reported to the relevant authorities."

Noppadon pointed out that the survey also showed 60.7 per cent of respondents had witnessed at least one case of domestic violence, which covers physical and verbal abuse as well as sexual assault.

Respondents listed infidelity, drunkenness and financial constraints as the factors most frequently leading to violence in the home, though nearly half also blamed violence on TV and in other media.

"A sizeable portion of respondents also blame lenient laws," said Noppadon.

Supensri Peungkoksoong, a senior official from the Friends of Women Foundation, said acid attacks and rape were among the worst instances of domestic violence.

"Doctoral-degree holders are among the abusers too," she added.