DOMESTIC VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AND APPROPRIATE REHABILITATION APPROACHES AMONG DRUG-USING INMATES AT KHON KAEN CENTRAL PRISON

Abstract

Domestic violence remains a persistent issue in Thai society and continues to escalate in severity. This study aimed to: 1) examine the patterns and characteristics of domestic violent behavior among drug-using inmates at Khon Kaen Central Prison; 2) investigate the causal mechanisms contributing to domestic violence; and 3) propose appropriate rehabilitation approaches for preventing domestic violence among inmates. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, utilizing in-depth interviews with 21 participants, including inmates, inmates’ relatives, and practitioners with direct experience from both correctional and external agencies, analyze content data within context.

The findings revealed that the patterns and characteristics of violent behavior among inmates included physical violence, verbal and psychological abuse, confinement and deprivation of rights and liberties, and violence against property. The causal mechanisms associated with domestic violence included individual factors, the effects of substance use, psychological factors, and social environmental factors. The appropriate rehabilitation approaches included: 1) individual-level approaches covering the incarceration, pre-release, and post-release phases; 2) family-level guidelines; 3) community-level guidelines; and 4) national-level guidelines. The effective implementation of these approaches requires integrated collaboration among relevant network partners to drive comprehensive operations in surveillance, assistance, prevention, physical and psychological rehabilitation for victims, and behavioral modification for perpetrators in order to prevent repeated violence in a continuous and sustainable manner.