Second Home
Is school a safe place for children in Thailand ?
In Thai culture, we frequently say that schools are like a second home for children. Most parents expect that their kids will receive a good standard of education and care during the school day which lasts 6 to 8 hours. However, the NIDA Poll published a study, “Sexual Harassment in Schools in Thailand” last year, which indicated that kids could be at risk of abuse. The study interviewed students between the ages of 15 to 25 years old. The results showed that 55% of respondents felt at risk of sexual harassment in school by teachers.
An offender takes advantage of an opportunity to utilize their position as school staff or a teacher for grooming in order to build a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person in order to manipulate, exploit and abuse them (Source: We Protect). Based on LIFT’s investigation experience, grooming often leads to more severe forms of exploitation and abuse.
“75% of sexually abused children were abused by a acquaintance” - Disrupting Harm Thailand
In Thailand, child victims face social pressures to show “respect” for adults, particularly education staff who are highly regarded. Students may think that no one will believe them about their harassment and decide to stay silent. Some victims have mental anguish as a result of being in an exploitative relationship with a respected person. These victims may remain traumatized until they reach adulthood without any professional support. Child victims often feel powerless and depressed because of societal pressures to stay silent. Some victims even blame themselves for getting hurt by a respected person. The physical and emotional wounds can lead to self-harm and in some cases, suicide. These cases may not be reported to law enforcement in order to preserve the school’s reputation.
LIFT's disciplinary team is made up of legal experts, social workers, analysts, and investigators. This team has assisted many child victims in sexual exploitation cases. Each case requires a long time of casework and trial preparation, during which it is important to care for the survivor’s (and family’s) mental health, until they are ready to give testimony in court.
“No one deserves to be exploited by those they should be able to trust.” – LIFT social worker
Schools should be like homes, providing warmth and safety to children. Recently, the LIFT legal team fought for justice, where a female student was sexually abused by her teacher. The judge ordered the offender to pay 3,125 USD (or about 100,000 Thai Baht) in compensation to the survivor [1] . This judgement is significant as it sets a new precedent for survivors of human trafficking in getting justice. The judge accepted and understood the evidence presented by LIFT’s legal counsel and public prosecutor. Normally, compensation in similar cases is lower than this amount. This illustrates how LIFT was a part of lifting the standards of the justice system.
[1] Though the compensation process has been completed, the judicial process for convicting the offender is ongoing with LIFT supporting the prosecutors. A final verdict is expected in a few months.