The HUG Project Thailand
Building Bridges
Between Policy and Practice
Between Parents and Kids
- For kids and parents to be able to recognize grooming before it becomes abuse.
- For kids and parents to be able to talk about uncomfortable subjects without shame and blame.
- For kids and parents to be able to work together to stop abuse from happening, report abuse if it has already happened, and reach out for help if needed.
These conversations are not easy. Last month, we found a new tool to help facilitate the discussion. And it's available in Thai! The four overall themes:
- I am valuable, and so are you.
- My body belongs to me.
- Safety is my right.
- I can get help.
One of the key points in the material: the grooming process often does not feel scary/shocking/adversarial. But rather, as things develop, the situation feels awkward/embarrassing/confusing. That is the time to stop abuse before it happens.
Between Thailand and Her Neighbors
The good news: We are experiencing unprecedented levels of transnational cooperation in the investigation of crimes against children. As the TICAC (Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children) task force (of which HUG is a part) continues to conduct successful arrest and recovery operations, other ASEAN nations are taking notice, and seeking to duplicate the TICAC model. A regional workshop is scheduled this summer in Thailand!
Between Shelter Residents and the Outside World
Their stories vary greatly. Some were attempting to escape violence or economic hardship in their home countries. Many believed false promises of a reliable job or secure passage to a safe location. All have one thing in common:
HUG team members, along with our partners from A21 Thailand, were able to use art therapy, music therapy, and team-building activities to bring a spirit of joy and relief to their isolation. "It was a struggle at first," explains a HUG counselor. "But we used games and humor to break down emotional barriers... In the end, the participants thanked us and asked us to come again. They said it was just what they needed."
director visits Washington
Creative After-Care Activities
Arrest of a Foreign citizen
Between Police and NGO's
- Stop attributing the actions of a few to a whole group and perpetuating mutual distrust.
- Collaborate in the best interest of victims- giving them the best chance at both justice and healing. A stronger victim-witness results in a stronger case.
- Listen to one another, and especially to survivors. This starts with asking better questions: What are your goals? What are your challenges? How can we help?
The truth is that we are all learning from each other. NGO's (non-government organizations) are often the first point of contact with a victim. They can more easily build rapport and relationship. Police are the experts in investigation and can guide the process in order to promote a positive legal outcome. The bridge of cooperation between these two groups is critical for victims. HUG is working to build it brick by brick, case by case.
We appreciate your support and prayers!
Email: connect@hugproject.org
Website: http://www.hugproject.org/
Phone: +66 53273833
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugprojectthailand