OBJECTIVES

The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) aims to prevent DVWC through the promotion of reproductive rights and reproductive health (RH) among the low-income populations in Thailand.

BACKGROUND

The PPAT was established in 1970 as a non-profit and non-government organisation and became a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) the following year. It has received financial support from the UNICEF, International Labour Organization and International Program on the Elimination of Child Labour, following encouraging results on a study on the prevention of DVWC through RH services.

SCOPE

The programme mainly focuses on improving RH and the quality of life, environmental development for disadvantaged persons and the general public in Thailand and other countries.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

The PPAT has been very active in creating public awareness on domestic violence and taken steps to address the issue. It conducts pilot studies to assess the problems and needs on RH and prevention of DVWC. To strengthen the capabilities of relevant staff of partner agencies, the PPAT provided training on addressing the rights of women and children including their reproductive rights; prevention of domestic violence; counselling skills; legal remedies against the perpetrator; and provision of RH services. Support was also rendered to protect women and children by setting up mass media agencies, national and provincial police forces, public health agencies, social welfare, and the private sector.

MANAGEMENT FEATURES

Strategy

• Capacity-building training to strengthen the capacity of the staff of partner agencies.
• Sensitising and supporting community leaders to enable them to lead in paving the way to a violence-free community.

• Liaising with other organisations.

Capacity-Building

• Empowering and mobilising the community to assist in supporting victims and strengthening their capacities in providing RH services and preventing DVWC.
• Networking with other groups

Mobilising Resources

• The media plays a powerful role in promoting public awareness.
• Training sessions enlightened community leaders on DVWC in Thailand and the importance of their roles as community leaders in the prevention of DVWC.
• Small group educational sessions aimed at enlightening the community on the situation of DVWC.

Managerial Leadership

• Establish links with agencies and organising project coordination meetings on networking for the prevention of DVWC.
• Evaluation and monitoring of all activities.

EVALUATION FINDINGS

• Multi-sectoral cooperation from the police, health practitioners and other support groups in the prevention of domestic violence and RH promotion was essential to ensure the success of the programme. A single agency alone cannot solve the problems because of constraints in its mandates and authority.
• Following training and community campaigns on DVWC, community leaders have taken the initiative to form local watch groups in their districts.
• To maintain the momentum, the PPAT enhanced the capacity of the network through on-going training on strategies to reduce gender violence and manage situations where violence occurs.
• The successful innovative features of PPAT’s programme on the prevention of DVWC through the promotion of RH have increased public awareness, maintaining a strategic partnership, and strengthening the community support network.