Call to put spotlight on domestic violence

A rights protection organisation has called on the Education Ministry to increase awareness of domestic violence, saying more than 80% of primary students have witnessed violence at home, which could set back their studies or harm their wellbeing.

The survey conducted by the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation indicated 85% of elementary school students have seen quarrels between parents or family members, foundation director Jaded Chaowilai said. The respondents were 1,464 students from Grades 4-6 in 26 schools nationwide.

According to the survey, 70.6% of students are also heavy users of mobile phones, and the Line and Facebook apps, while 63.4% of students admitted they have used vulgar language at home.

Almost 63% of students think their parents work too hard and haven’t spent enough time with them and 57% of students admit their family members have alcohol and gambling problems, Mr Jaded said.

Asked about their responses when witnessing domestic violence, 23.4% of students said they tried to stop the violence, 14.4% said they just kept silent, 10% said they did not want to disclose their experience to anyone and 6.7% of students said they resorted to sarcasm to release frustration.

“What we worry about is the students who have done something sarcastic to release their disappointment because it can lead to antisocial behaviour problems which will affect their development,” he said.

Mr Jaded yesterday reported the survey results to education permanent-secretary Kamchorn Tatiyakawee and urged the ministry to raise awareness of the family violence problem among children.

The ministry should train teachers so they have a better understanding of domestic violence, he said.