Enhancing Early Identification of Violence Against Women and Children Through a Health-Based Risk Assessment Tool in Thailand

• In Event: Data collection experiences of gender-based violence: regional, national and local perspectives

Abstract

In Thailand, data from the Ministry of Public Health’s One-Stop Crisis Centers (OSCC) indicate that from 2004 to 2022, an average of 8,847 women per year sought medical treatment due to violence. Girls aged 10 to 20 are the most frequent victims of sexual violence. However, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of actual cases, as many women and children do not report abuse due to fear, shame, lack of knowledge, or inability to communicate, particularly in the case of minors.
Healthcare facilities are often the first point of contact for survivors and play a critical role in early detection and response. However, structural limitations and the absence of systematic tools have hindered frontline professionals from identifying and assisting at-risk individuals effectively. This leads to missed opportunities for intervention and allows violence to escalate, resulting in re-traumatization as well as significant social and economic costs.
To address this gap, a digital screening tool was developed to support medical personnel in assessing the risk of violence during patient interactions. The tool guides healthcare providers through key questions to detect warning signs and flags potential cases for referral to protection and rehabilitation services. By equipping frontline workers with a practical instrument for early identification, this initiative enables proactive, timely responses.
This project is a collaborative effort between the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), the Ministry of Public Health, Pathum Thani Hospital, and ChangeFusion. It offers a promising model of integrating justice and public health approaches to strengthen violence prevention and provide better support for women and children.

Authors

• Phiset Sa-ardyen, Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ)

• Yodsawadi Thipphayamongkoludom, Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ)