The Xiengkhouang Provincial Court has sentenced a 20-year-old man from Ngoen village, Paek District, to 3 years and 6 months in prison for assaulting his 16-year-old wife during the Kinjieng festival in January. Along with the prison term, the court imposed a fine of LAK 10 million (USD 452) and ordered him to pay LAK 33 million (USD 1,492) in compensation to the victim.
During the Hmong New Year celebrations, the young woman, who was at the festival with her sister, was approached by another man seeking her phone number. Despite declining due to her marital status, the woman’s husband’s friend witnessed the interaction and reported it. When the husband arrived at the festival, he physically attacked his wife, an incident that was captured on video and widely shared online. The video quickly went viral.
The recent court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some have praised the authorities for their action against domestic and gender-based violence, others have criticized the justice system for delays and a lack of updates on the case. This has led to calls for more consistent communication on such cases to keep the public informed.
Calls for Better Support on Domestic Violence Cases
This case is part of a larger issue of domestic violence and sexual harassment in Laos, where such crimes often go unnoticed or are poorly addressed. Social media users have criticized the authorities for not providing adequate support to victims, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns.
Recent cases have heightened these concerns. On 25 June, a 15-year-old boy in Champasak Province sexually harassed and murdered a 13-year-old girl. Although the boy has been arrested, the lack of information about his potential punishment has led to public skepticism. According to Laos’s Criminal Law, rape carries a prison term of 4-6 years, increasing to 6-10 years if the victim is under 18, with fines up to LAK 50 million (USD 2,262). However, there are calls for stricter penalties, with some residents believing that wealth may influence legal outcomes.
Victims frequently feel abandoned by the legal system. This frustration is echoed by Nanthida “Nesxy” Phoummichit, who fled to Thailand after allegedly being sexually harassed by a government official. Despite seeking help from various organizations and authorities, she received little support and faced additional victimization from her community, she told The Laotian Times in a previous interview.
Another case involves Nixa Haifong, who was assaulted by a hotel staff member in Vientiane Capital. Despite reporting the incident and being offered a small compensation, Nixa encountered significant barriers in her pursuit of justice.
Laos, Neighbors Boos Hotlines and Services for Abuse Victims
In response to these challenges, Laos has established hotlines and support centers for victims of sexual harassment. The Women’s Union and Lao 1362 provide 24/7 consultations, and health assistance hotlines offer medical support.
Internationally, neighboring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia also provide resources for sexual harassment victims. In Thailand, hotlines and emergency services offer immediate assistance, while Cambodia’s TPO Cambodia and Child Helpline Cambodia provide counseling and support for various forms of abuse and violence.
The broader challenge remains improving systemic responses and support structures to ensure that victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment receive timely and effective assistance.
