Domestic violence law

MEDIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Tough new restrictions on news reports of family abuse

ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA


The media must show more caution in using photos or stories about domestic violence, or face tougher legal action than they ever expected under the new domestic violence law, legal experts warned yesterday. Narong Jaiharn, of Thammasat University's Research and Consultancy Institute, said violating the law could mean a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or a fine of 60,000 baht.




The new act for protection of victims of domestic violence was passed on Aug 14, and will take effect on Nov 14.




While protecting victims of domestic violence it also gives offenders the opportunity to reform so as to maintain a family relationship.




Article 9 of the law prohibits the media from broadcasting or publishing photos, stories or information about parties involved in domestic violence in ways deemed damaging to the reputation of the victim or the offender, directly or indirectly, after the case is reported to police and the legal process begins.


''This means the media can no longer publish the names, addresses, or any information that will disclose, directly or indirectly, the identity of the victims or even their abusers. That is certainly against the law,'' said Mr Narong.




Foundations or police investigators who expose the victims or the offenders to the media face similar penalties.


People discovering violations by the media can report them to police without requiring a complaint from a damaged party, said Mr Narong.




Media groups earlier expressed concerns the restrictions under Article 9 could infringe upon press freedom, or at the least make their jobs very difficult.




Even after a guilty verdict the media cannot publish information that could damage the reputation of either party.




''This is because the purpose of the law is to maintain the family relationship,'' said Mr Narong. ''If any information about the abusers, in most cases husbands or fathers, is revealed to the public it could have a social and psychological impact on the children.''


He said the law also gives the opportunity for the offender to reform so as to restore family ties, which was considered the best solution to domestic violence.




Women's rights advocate Saisuree Chutikul said she understood the media's concerns but asked that they let the law be enforced for a time before pushing for any amendment.


''When case exposure in the media has less of an impact, then amendments to loosen the restrictions could be sought,'' she said

While protecting victims of domestic violence it also gives offenders the opportunity to reform so as to maintain a family relationship.