MODEL DEVELOPMENT FOR REDUCTION OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE PROBLEM IN THAILAND

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant problem in Thai society. This study aimed to develop the Reduction of Partner Violence model (RPV model) to reduce IPV among married or cohabiting couples and to examine the effectiveness of the RPV model. The RPV model was developed from qualitative study by in-depth interview the voluntary 20 cases; 10 male perpetrators and 10 female victims and related documentary study. The model addresses change at the victim and perpetrator level consists of 2 parts; the first part is separated by gender-specific group and the second part is couple focus approach in order to encourage participants to analyse causes of violence, examine the negative effects of violence, build an alternative non- violent behavior, and enhance a good relationship between the couples. For testing the model effectiveness; two communities were chosen by simple random sampling; one was the experimental area (n=40) and the second was the comparison area (n=40). The participants were married or cohabiting couples who have been facing intimate partner violence. The participants in the intervention group attended 8 days program activities. After attending the program, the participants were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months follow up. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts; Socio-demographic characteristic, Conflict in the family, Partner’s Violent Behavior, and Violent Victimization. The study found that the participants who joined the RPV model reduce intimate partner violence significantly better than those in the control group all through study period (p-value <.05). The reduction of intimate partner violence comprised of 1) Reduce Conflict in the family 2) Reduce Partner’s Violent behavior particularly Partner’s Psychological Violent Behavior and 3) Violent Victimization especially the Psychological Violent victimization. In conclusion, the RPV model can be considered as an effective alternative for reducing violence between partners, however, the application of the RPV model at another area should consider the context of socio-demographic characteristics and the nature of the populations.