Guideline for Developing Criminal Justice System to Support the Protection for Victims of Rape Cases

Abstract

         This article aims to achieve two objectives: 1) to investigate the issues faced by victims in the prosecution of rape cases in Thailand, and 2) to explore ways to improve the criminal justice process to protect victims of rape in Thailand. This qualitative research involved key informants with relevant knowledge and experience in the criminal justice process related to rape cases, categorized into four groups: 1. State Justice Personnel: Comprising investigators, prosecutors, judges, and officials from the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, totaling six individuals. 2. Interdisciplinary Professionals: This includes two individuals such as psychologists/social workers from the One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC) or "Safe Center," and forensic medical experts. 3. Civil Society Networks: Represented by one individual from the Women’s Friend Foundation. 4. Legal and Justice Academics: Represented by one academic expert. The study utilized purposive sampling and employed in-depth interviews as the primary data collection tool, with content analysis applied for data evaluation.
          The research findings reveal that 1) the treatment of victims in rape cases has resulted in significant issues affecting the victims, offenders, society, legal frameworks, the justice process, and the protection of rights; and 2) there is a strong recommendation to enhance the criminal justice process to provide more comprehensive protection for victims of rape in Thailand, while also reducing procedural redundancies. This is aimed at preventing victims from experiencing further victimization within the criminal justice system.