Incidences of domestic violence and sexual abuse rose in the first half of this year, as more people were homebound as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a seminar was told on Monday.
According to the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP), cases of domestic violence against women rose by 50% between January and June this year, compared to the same period in 2016.
Jaree Srisawat, a WMP member, said domestic violence and sexual assaults dominated media reports in the first half of this year, many of which were driven by various factors such as extramarital affairs, financial woes, alcohol and/or substance abuse.
She said domestic violence and sexual abuse by partners should not be treated as a private matter between family members and called for collective action to address the issue.
"It is a social issue which requires everyone's attention and participation," she said, before adding that domestic violence victims often face further abuse when they seek help from authorities.
Ms Jaree also called on the government to create more jobs for women, as many domestic violence victims have no choice but to endure mistreatment because they are financially dependent on their partners.
The seminar, which was co-organised by the Thai Health Foundation, also heard from victims of domestic violence who said alcohol abuse and psychological stress caused by economic hardship increase the risk of domestic violence.
A participant, who identified herself only as "B", said her husband became stressed and often resorted to violence after his tattoo parlour was closed down because of Covid-19.
He stayed at home, so arguments broke out more often than usual.
After the easing of the lockdown measures, her husband went out drinking with friends and assaulted her, sometimes in front of their nine-year-old son, when he was drunk, she said.
Another victim of domestic violence, "A", said that her husband even threatened to kill her after a night out. She said she could not afford to leave her job at a textile factory even though her child wanted to run away with her.