Child Abuse And Sex Assaults In Thailand On The Rise

[webfact]

Child abuse and sex assault reports keep rising: Pavena

BANGKOK: -- The number of child abuse and sexual assault complaints reported last year to the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women was the highest for the decade.

Foundation president Pavena Hongsakul said Monday her non-government group received 4,533 complaints last year.

This included 522 rape or sexual assault complaints, the highest for the decade, she said. The figure rose from 338 sexual assaults reported in 2008.

The youngest victim was only five months old while the oldest was 70 years old. Most victims of sexual assaults and rapes were between 12 and 15 years old and many of the crimes resulted from youngsters being lured for by people they "met" online, she said.

-- The Nation 2010-01-25

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[Mario2008]

Said news. It seems internet security is something that needs to be thaught at school very badly.

[tonititan]

True, and it IS being taught in many schools (including mine in Bangkok). Equally important, however, is that PARENTS need to monitor children's internet usage. It is the responsibility of parents to keep their children safe. Not that schools can't help as well, but the responsibility should not fall entirely on the schools.

[astral]

I wonder if the internet risks are being over emphasised?

Attached is an article on the subject published in the PC World magazine

in the middle of last year.

I don't have a net reference, this is copy I scanned from the magazine

[chiang mai]

I don't know if the problem has anything to do with the internet or not but I did read today in one of the UK newspapers that the UK has reported a whopping 22,000 case of child abuse during the past year, 22,000! The NSPCC believes this is just the tip of a rather large ice berg of unreported cases. For goodness sake, whatever is going on with folks!

EDIT: in thinking about this subject I went back and read again the article which is currently on the BBC website, sadly I was mistaken and the true number of cases of sexual abuse reported to the Police are in excess of 50,000 cases.

"The Home Office compiles an annual crime report, which shows there were a total of 51,488 recorded sexual offences of all kinds between 2008 and 2009".

Edited January 25, 2010 by chiang mai

[samuibeachcomber]

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

[Guest]

I wonder if the internet risks are being over emphasised?

]

they make good headlines though.

and attract votes from mislead people

[geriatrickid]

There is a silver lining in this grey cloud of sadness. It suggests that;

-The obstacles to reporting incidents are coming down.

- In the past threats, intimidation, shame, and ignorance prevented many from reporting. Perhaps the educational efforts and the prevention efforts are working.

- The authorities are taking reports seriously and responding, whereas in the past there was the wall of neglect.

- People are speaking out. This is not acceptable.

I suggest that the rates of abuse and rates are fairly constant, but now people know that they they do not have to accept it and are speaking up.

[givenall]

Said news. It seems internet security is something that needs to be thaught at school very badly.

Or maybe people are more willing to report the abuse more than before since the internet has informed more about this issue

[dmax]

probably the same everywhere ,uk included, primary schools should be doing more by way of teaching kids the dangers of online chatrooms etc

[chiang mai]

Just in case posters missed the point:

"The UK Home Office compiles an annual crime report, which shows there were a total of 51,488 recorded sexual offences of all kinds between 2008 and 2009".

[Dah fahrang]

Gotta blame something easy and headline grabbing - without supporting evidence.

Well, I suppose it makes a change from the usual blaming on tight white blouses and short black skirts.

Another 'crackdown' coming?

[chiang mai]

Not difficult too google Uk crime statistics and verify the answer but perhaps too hard!

Regardless, if the UK is reporting 51k sex offences where 21k involve children - the Thai reported number of a few hundreds suggest there are huge problems on this front, especially since most child crimes are not reported, even int he West, sad.

[robblok]

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

You sir are crazy according to me.

Nothing wrong with porn or chat, its not forced upon anyone. You dont get it without searching for it and even then its says you have to be 18 to enter a site. Usually young people don't get confronted with porn online unless they are searching for it. Its like buying alcohol illegal its forbidden but we don't ban all alcohol because some minors get it while it is illegal.

[tominbkk]

I wonder if the internet risks are being over emphasised?

Attached is an article on the subject published in the PC World magazine

in the middle of last year.

I don't have a net reference, this is copy I scanned from the magazine

I wold definitely agree that cyber bullying is a much greater threat to children.

[TackyToo]

In my wife’s family are two rape victims of incidents happening within one month in a small village in Isan.

A retarded 11 year old girl was lured to the house of a 70 year old man and brutally raped. She was bleeding like a pig in a slaughterhouse. The family took the girl to the nearest hospital, insisting that the practicing doctor secure DNA samples. The girl identified the rapist on several occasions with the police. She also identified the house where the crime took place. She is definitely not capable to construct a story like this. This was certified by the family’s doctor.

The sad outcome:

The doctor at the hospital did not take DNA samples, even though this is mandatory in a rape case with a minor involved! She insisted she was not asked for that...

The old man denied the crime. Hence, the police don’t bother anymore.

The son of the rapist threatened the family to sue them for defamation unless an exorbitant sum is paid…

In a second case, just about 3 weeks later, a 16 year old girl was drugged at a party at a neighbor’s family house and later brought to a different location. Here she was raped by a 16 year old boy and his friend. The rapist later admitted the crime and had the guts to approach the victim’s family saying: in favor for not reporting the rape to the police he would be willing to marry the girl…

Who would like to have his daughter married to a 16 year old rapist?

None of the villagers is taking any position against the rapists, it’s just business as usual. What the heck is wrong with these guys? If a society lacks all necessary to run a village according to some basic human norms, how do you expect them to run a country?

No need to say that all this is in no way related to the internet. The call for censorship needs a little more substance, I think.

[Ijustwannateach]

It's much easier to blame the internet than it is for families and individuals to take responsibility, or for society to institute public accountability where little has previous existed.

Sadly, as ever, most child abuse takes place within families by adults who are theoretically responsible for the victims. I think sometimes the public hysteria over the relatively few exceptions (strangers abusing a child) is a result of the extreme guilt that is out there projecting itself.

[ThailandTommy]

Just in case posters missed the point:

"The UK Home Office compiles an annual crime report, which shows there were a total of 51,488 recorded sexual offences of all kinds between 2008 and 2009".

Whilst the figure is very high there is a difference between crimes reported and crimes substantiated, I am not condoning or defending and will say that 1 recorded sexual offence is 1 too many.

Neither does it show how many allegations were withdrawn.

Also these reports do not show the 'degree' or exact nature of the alleged assault, someone accidentally brushing against a females breasts on a crowed tube could be mistaken/construed as a deliberate sexual assault. Which could then be reported as such but subsequently be withdrawn.

A truer figure might be forthcoming if they reported all cases that went before a court whether the defendant was convicted or not.

Agreed it would still be excessive but would possibly give a truer reflection of the society we live in.

I also think that you cannot compare statistics of this nature between countries such as Thailand and UK!

I wonder what percentage of those reported in Thailand involved a bar girl who for what ever reason decided to make such an allegation?

How many were made by a consenting younger person who's parents find out and force the girl to make an allegation to save face and or financial gain?

[nasajsc]

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

You sir are crazy according to me.

Nothing wrong with porn or chat, its not forced upon anyone. You dont get it without searching for it and even then its says you have to be 18 to enter a site. Usually young people don't get confronted with porn online unless they are searching for it. Its like buying alcohol illegal its forbidden but we don't ban all alcohol because some minors get it while it is illegal.

Absolutely, lets have MORE porn and sex related chat rooms, why not even have free wi-fi at cowboy and nana to promote these online predators.

On a serious note, I agree its not forced, but if its not filtered or banned, then children (and others less savvy) can easily fall prey. Hence

society must protect those who are not able to protect themselves.

In this case, the needs of the many (children, families, normal people etc) outweigh the needs of the few (sex addicts, predators, perverts).

You say kids need to be "searching for it" - the attached picture is a google search of the word "toys", have a look at the second line and tell me

what you see - is that an appropriate picture for a 10 year old to see? In this case it is forced upon me, I am not looking for lesbian toys, but for

kids toys, so why should I get lesbian toys. It is forced on us, and its time to BAN it.

Edited January 26, 2010 by webfact
attachment containing pornographic content removed //WF

[nasajsc]

In my wife's family are two rape victims of incidents happening within one month in a small village in Isan.

A retarded 11 year old girl was lured to the house of a 70 year old man and brutally raped. She was bleeding like a pig in a slaughterhouse. The family took the girl to the nearest hospital, insisting that the practicing doctor secure DNA samples. The girl identified the rapist on several occasions with the police. She also identified the house where the crime took place. She is definitely not capable to construct a story like this. This was certified by the family's doctor.

The sad outcome:

The doctor at the hospital did not take DNA samples, even though this is mandatory in a rape case with a minor involved! She insisted she was not asked for that...

The old man denied the crime. Hence, the police don't bother anymore.

The son of the rapist threatened the family to sue them for defamation unless an exorbitant sum is paid…

Cannot imagine a father not taking matters into his own hands in a situation like this, and

removing the offending appendage from the dirty old man.

[andy000]

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

You sir are crazy according to me.

Nothing wrong with porn or chat, its not forced upon anyone. You dont get it without searching for it and even then its says you have to be 18 to enter a site. Usually young people don't get confronted with porn online unless they are searching for it. Its like buying alcohol illegal its forbidden but we don't ban all alcohol because some minors get it while it is illegal.

Absolutely, lets have MORE porn and sex related chat rooms, why not even have free wi-fi at cowboy and nana to promote these online predators.

On a serious note, I agree its not forced, but if its not filtered or banned, then children (and others less savvy) can easily fall prey. Hence

society must protect those who are not able to protect themselves.

In this case, the needs of the many (children, families, normal people etc) outweigh the needs of the few (sex addicts, predators, perverts).

You say kids need to be "searching for it" - the attached picture is a google search of the word "toys", have a look at the second line and tell me

what you see - is that an appropriate picture for a 10 year old to see? In this case it is forced upon me, I am not looking for lesbian toys, but for

kids toys, so why should I get lesbian toys. It is forced on us, and its time to BAN it.

There is free wi-fi at Nana! I checked my email there a few months back.

Just wondering - did you change your Google preferences to Safe Search-Off just to get the screen print or is it your standard preference? I'm not sure that the "children (and others less savvy)" can be considered as easy fallen prey if they've figured that out!

A note to concerned parents - You can set the Google "Safe Search" setting to "Strict" by following the "settings" link on the Google homepage. You can also lock this setting (preventing it from being changed within your chosen web browser) by registering for a free Google account.

[hgma]

ya baaaaaaaaaa

ICE

2 drugs which inflict sexual disturbance(read madness) to people (to say the least)

proof?

just volunteer ,like i did , for a week or 2 in mae yao district (chiang rai)with the anti-drugcampaign volunteers down there.

you soon find out what i am refer to

Said news. It seems internet security is something that needs to be thaught at school very badly.

[phetaroi]

First, I think that there is an increasing awareness everywhere, including Thailand, of child abuse...and thank goodness! I hope it doesn't reach the point it seems to be in the U.S. where it is true hysteria. There is a fine line between keeping kids safe and keeping kids in constant, unreasonable fear.

Samuibeachcomber, I think your suggestion is not a reasonable one. Ban chat rooms? I have participated in chat rooms for topics from Thailand to parrots. Your suggestion is comparable to saying that because I once saw a man pick up a teenager in the parking lot of a 7/11, that all 7/11's should be closed down.

I also don't see where freedom of the press is related to this topic at all. Or are you confusing that with freedom of speech?

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

[phetaroi]

Not sure I agree with you.

As the retired principal of a school in the west, our rather complex software designed to seek out porn sources that entered school computers linked to the internet found that innocent searches did sometimes bring up porn sites.

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

You sir are crazy according to me.

Nothing wrong with porn or chat, its not forced upon anyone. You dont get it without searching for it and even then its says you have to be 18 to enter a site. Usually young people don't get confronted with porn online unless they are searching for it. Its like buying alcohol illegal its forbidden but we don't ban all alcohol because some minors get it while it is illegal.

[bangon04]

It's much easier to blame the internet than it is for families and individuals to take responsibility, or for society to institute public accountability where little has previous existed.

Sadly, as ever, most child abuse takes place within families by adults who are theoretically responsible for the victims. I think sometimes the public hysteria over the relatively few exceptions (strangers abusing a child) is a result of the extreme guilt that is out there projecting itself.

Are they reliable statistics for child abuse in rural Thailand? It seems that the "tradition" of abduction of minor girls for marriage is still alive and well there, and prosecutions are routinely waived on payment of a "dowry" by the man.

Also it seems that schools still ban girls who fall pregnant, even if as a result of abuse within the family or within the community. The "blame" seems to fall on the girls, not on their guardians.

If this is the case, then internet chat rooms are a relatively small risk and newsworthy because they affect more prominent victims in the cities. There is a much bigger, quieter risk out there.

[Ijustwannateach]

By its very nature the Internet is not going to be very discriminating between children and adults. The key point is for children to have caring adults who know what they are doing, and who talk to them as they get older about the consequences of independence (i.e., making smart decisions about interactions with other people whether in real life or online).

The real problem is what to do about people who shouldn't be parents in the first place- whether they are abusers themselves or incompetent- and that's an old problem that will probably never be solved. So, much easier to say that it's all about computers, which are something that government can say it is doing something about.

[robblok]

It would be better to ban cars and alcohol then porn.

Just follow this and see how ridiculous it is to ban things.

Many violent rapes and crimes are committed because of alcohol so instead of punishing the wrongdoers we should ban all alcohol and don't care about the people who can use it without problems.

Most children die because of cars and motorbikes lets ban them (instead of enforcing traffic laws)

Its just easy to ban something you don't need or like and forget about everyone else.

And for the guy who came up with a Google picture .. ow dear 2 naked girls so bad it would certainly hurt the children forever. Come on nothing wrong with some nudity. Besides that you can set Google to strict modes and that parents should supervise children.

And still if some mild porn comes through what thing in life is completely safe ? Do we ban hot water ? I do agree that predators that pray on girls or boys online should be punished but as most research shows its usually family that are responsible for sexual assaults like incest and others.

Some people really don't like to think but love to ban things. I thought i left those people behind in the old country. Too bad a lot of old farts followed me and try to do crazy things here again.

[nasajsc]

Many violent rapes and crimes are committed because of alcohol so instead of punishing the wrongdoers we should ban all alcohol and don't care about the people who can use it without problems.

I agree, alcohol should be banned, especially alcohol mixed with bar-girls; all sorts of trouble starts with that combination,

then the posters get on here and complain how their hearts are broke, their money outright stolen or filtered down to

the local village, whatever.

And those who can use it without problems? How many of those are there? As I am sure you have seen in bars and

disco's, once people get boozed up, they get their egos bruised easily and fight over crazy things like someone looking

wrong at them, someone standing too close to their girl, someone doesn't like their bike color, and many more idiotic

reasons.

I have yet to see people who drink alcohol acting in a sane, intelligent manner. Sure not everyone is violent, but get

a few beers down a Brit, and off he goes bitching and complaining how much life sucks here and how he has to pay his

wife/gf 20,000 baht per month and how hard it is to do the visa run and if you tell him why he left then he starts rambling

how much the weather sucks back home, then if you tell him, why dont you go home, then he wants to start fighting with

you, pretty crazy stuf! Thats why I dont drink and dont go to bars. But thats me.

[ManilaLover]

why cant certain things be banned online..............chat rooms for one,pornography of any kind another.There is nothing wrong with some censorship.Yes i know "but where do you draw the line" press freedom should not be unlimited in my opinion,especially where there is obvious harm to young people.

come on get real, so you also want to ban cars because they cause many deaths, alcohol, sex in general because it can cause HIV, you want to ban electricity, you want to ban rivers because people drown, you want to ban people because they can kill other people...

freedom on the internet and education for the people, and non of those unfunctional 'problemsolving solutions' because it is just another excuse for not changing the complete educational system. if your house is sinking you improve the foundation, not just highen the floors from time to time.

add: and not forget that all things that are forbidden become attracting !

Edited January 26, 2010 by ManilaLover

[Sabum]

This is complete bs, the internet is not the cause of all these incidents like it is trying to say, most cases involve someone the victim knows. (family, friend etc..) What a load of crap. Thailand has a huge incest and child abuse problem within the family, but much better to blame it on a fantasy of some evil internet stalker who maybe makes up for 1% of the crimes.