Bangkok tops in domestic violence complaints, says social development ministry

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has reported that Bangkok holds the record for the highest number of complaints concerning violence against children and women. Since its inauguration on November 1, the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC) has received 2,195 complaints, as revealed by the Social Development and Human Security Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa.

The majority of the calls were related to service advice and the welfare of elderly individuals, newborns and people with disabilities. The minister added he was concerned about violence against women, children, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Between November 1 and 5, HuSEC received an alarming average of 13 reports of domestic violence per day. Of these incidents, family members committed 60% of the attacks. With an average of 26 cases a day, Bangkok was the source of the largest number of complaints.

To tackle this issue, HuSEC dispatched a mobile unit that collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to assist and safeguard victims of domestic violence in Bangkok and other provinces, reported Bangkok Post.

Referring to a severe case involving a three year old child in Pathum Thani who was assaulted by his mother and stepfather, Varawut mentioned a visit to the victim at Thammasat University Hospital by Kanchana Silpa-archa, an adviser to the ministry’s strategy working group. The child’s condition has improved since the incident.

When questioned about the government’s initiatives to ensure public safety, Varawut revealed the ministry’s plan to offer a living allowance to senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and those caring for newborns. Additionally, the food allowance for children under the ministry’s custody will be increased from December 1.

State ministries are also taking measures to decrease daily expenses for citizens, such as water and electricity bills, as well as fuel costs.

As for Thai returnees from Israel, Varawut mentioned that HuSEC has offered advice to approximately 8,348 Thai returnees, among whom 300 were helped to return to their respective home provinces.