Popular Facebook Page Warns About Reporting on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Cases; NBTC Takes Issue Seriously

A popular Facebook page has issued warnings about covering domestic violence and sexual abuse cases, emphasizing the need to protect victims from secondary harm through media exposure. On May 15, the "Drama-addict" Facebook page highlighted an important issue that most people outside the media industry are unaware of due to lack of formal disclosure. Years ago, the NBTC convened major media outlets from all sectors to conduct training on reporting standards for "domestic violence and sexual abuse in families," as these matters are governed by the Domestic Violence Protection Act, B.E. 2550 (2007). Key prohibitions regarding media coverage include: banning the publication or dissemination of information that could identify the victim through any medium—print, electronic, or otherwise; strictly prohibiting disclosure of the victim's real name or surname, or any information linking to their identity; prohibiting publication of photographs or videos showing faces or distinguishing features; and banning disclosure of family information such as residential address, educational institution, or workplace of either victim or perpetrator that could lead to identification. Violators face imprisonment not exceeding six months, fines not exceeding 6,000 baht, or both. The NBTC takes this matter very seriously because interviewing victims on camera would constitute secondary victimization and harm. Consequently, major media outlets have refrained from conducting in-depth interviews on such cases or pursuing them as scoops for many years, as doing so violates the law. However, general reporting that follows NBTC-provided guidelines without probing into sensitive details is permitted, provided that measures are taken to protect victims from further harm or secondary victimization.