Violence Against Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study with Case Studies in Thailand

• In Event: Roundtable: Violence in Differing Contexts

Abstract

Violence against persons with intellectual disabilities is a pervasive issue that remains under-researched in many contexts, including Thailand. The World Health Organization reports that around 16% of the global population has some form of disability; however, the data from UNICEF in 2022 states that approximately 4.19 million people in Thailand were living with disabilities, accounting for about 6% of the total population. The objectives of this qualitative study presentation are to study the situation of violence against persons with intellectual disabilities and to propose preventive and remedial measures enhancing the empowerment of survivors. Through case studies and key informant interviews, the results found that people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to face violence than the general population and are at a high risk of physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and neglecting. Most of the violence is committed by family members, caregivers, or acquaintances rather than strangers. Providing proper and comprehensive support for individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial to ensure they can lead safe and better lives. Effective prevention and support systems require collaboration from families, communities, and the government. This study is supported by the Graduate Researcher Development Grants 2024, the National Research Council of Thailand.

Authors

• Nattakarn Noree, Chulalongkorn University

• Unisa Lerdtomornsakul, Chulalongkorn University

• Vijita Rachatanantikul, Mahidol University