Prevention of Violence Victimization against Gender Diverse People and Solutions

Abstract

This qualitative research on the issues of physical, sexual, and psychological violence aimed to (1) investigate violent behaviors as well as forms of violence in LGBT groups, (2) explore causes of violence against LGBT victims, and (3) propose preventive measures and solutions. This study was conducted by using a semi-structured interview with twenty key informants divided into four groups: (1) five LGBT victims experienced in violence in their lifetime from the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, and the Sisters Foundation who have experienced violence once in their life, (2) five physical and/or sexual offenders against LGBT victims from Pattaya Remand Prison, (3) five LGBT informants from public figure, famous person or individuals who are not the victims of violence, but experienced the violence from surrounding LGBT person, and (4) five LGBT rights academics or activists and criminologists with at least ten years of work experience. The results revealed that violence victims were found to be LGBT people, especially gay men or transgender people whereas the violence experience was caused by their family members, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends and acquaintances whom they met for the first time through social media and online applications.     It was found that there are five categories of violence against LGBT victims, physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, and social violence. The violences affect LGBT victims in terms of mental, physical, and social problem. These will continue to affect their living. The victims will suffer from fear, stress, and despair, which can possibly lead to PTSD syndrome. Mostly, group of people who committed the violence against LGBT are with bias and less understanding of gender diversity and equality. This includes homophobic groups and parents who do not accept their LGBT children. This was caused by their misunderstandings of gender diversity, hate, prejudice, loneliness, jealousy, loss of trust in people they met for the first time, weaker physical character of LGBT, and violence experiences. To reduce and prevent violence against LGBT, cooperation from all sectors, including the government, private sectors, civil society, and LGBT and non-LGBT communities is required to support and mobilize for LGBT rights through legal enforcement and policies. In addition, the responsible organizations must be easily accessible and effectively helpful. Association or foundation for LGBT victims support of should be established throughout the justice process. The family and educational institution must provide their children and students with knowledge and understanding of gender diversity. Also, the promotion of LGBT rights on legal gender recognition, fundamental rights, same-sex marriage rights, and necessary healthcare rights to LGBT population should be achieved.