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SHero Advocates for Stronger Survivor Protections in Legal Reform

In January 2026, SHero Thailand was invited to participate in an expert consultation convened by the Nitivajra Institute, Office of the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, to provide input on proposed amendments to Thailand’s Criminal Procedure Code. The discussion focused on strengthening protections for individuals involved in criminal proceedings, particularly in cases involving sexual offences and other crimes that may cause significant psychological harm.
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The consultation brought together representatives from justice institutions, government agencies, and civil society to exchange perspectives on how criminal procedures can better prevent secondary victimisation and support individuals affected by trauma during investigations and court proceedings.
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SHero expressed support for the proposed amendment as an important step toward strengthening protections within the justice system. At the same time, SHero emphasised the importance of trauma-informed approaches and practical safeguards to ensure that legal protections are effective in practice. SHero also highlighted that certain legal terminology, such as “serious psychological harm,” may require careful consideration, as survivors of sexual and gender-based violence may experience harm in many forms and should be protected without the need to demonstrate severe psychological injury or clinical mental illness.
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The official news release by the Nitivajra Institute (available in Thai) can be accessed here: https://www.ago.go.th/690120-159/
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The conversation will also continue at the global level. SHero Thailand, together with the Nitivajra Institute, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, will co-organise a side event at #CSW70 in New York titled Justice for Her: Overcoming Challenges and Transforming the Justice System into a Safe Space for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
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*Note: In legal contexts, the term “victim” is often used because it reflects the terminology adopted in legislation and criminal procedure. SHero generally uses the term “survivor” in our work to recognise the dignity, agency, and resilience of those who have experienced violence.*
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