On October 25, at the SVRI Forum’s final day, the Garden of Hope Foundation held a special exchange event for gender-based violence advocates from across Asia. This gathering allowed regional experts and researchers to discuss the latest trends and challenges, fostering connections to strengthen gender-based violence (GBV) prevention networks across Asia.

The event welcomed key representatives from leading organizations, including:

UN Women Asia and the Pacific: Led by Melissa Alvarado, head of GBV and gender equality programs for Asia-Pacific

UNFPA: Sujata Tuladhar shared updates on a 2022 digital gender-based violence study, calling for collaboration across Asia

UNICEF: Sunita Palekar Joergensen, GBV program expert for East Asia

Discussions underscored the need for an Asia-based GBV alliance to promote mutual learning and amplify the voices of smaller organizations advocating for regional support. However, participants noted the challenge of maintaining such an alliance, as it requires sustained resources and workforce.

However, maintaining this alliance will require consistent resource and workforce investment. Participants expressed their gratitude to the Garden of Hope Foundation for its long-standing dedication to anti-gender-based violence networks in Asia. We are honored to receive recognition from UN representatives during this event and will continue to foster transnational dialogues at various forums, supporting the unity of anti-gender-based violence professionals worldwide.

#UNWomen#UNFPA#UNICEF#SVRI2024#CapeTown#EndGBV#GenderEquality#AsiaPacific

In August 2024, members of the Asian Network of Women’s Shelter visited Taiwan to learn about the framework for domestic violence prevention. Following in September, the Garden of Hope Foundation once again invited members of the Asian Women’s Shelter Network, with representatives from government agencies and non-governmental organizations from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, to study Taiwan’s handling and prevention of sexual assault.

Gentle support for decades: GOH has become a source of strength for survivors of sexual assault

On the first day of the study visit, the delegates came to GOH Taipei Branch to learn about GOH’s experience in sexual assault prevention and services.

First, the CEO of the Garden of Hope Foundation, Wang Yuehao(王玥好), introduced the foreign guests to the development of sexual assault services in Taiwan. The CEO began by discussing how the murder of Peng Wanru(彭婉如) sparked advocacy for revisions to the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act, highlighting Taiwan’s growing emphasis on sexual autonomy. This provided the visitors with an overview of the development of Taiwan’s sexual assault prevention framework.

However, in practice, the Garden of Hope has identified several systemic issues that need to be addressed. For instance, many sexual assault cases occur during the victim’s childhood, but by the time the victim reaches adulthood, the statute of limitations has often expired, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished. In response, the Garden of Hope has been actively advocating for the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault cases to begin at adulthood in order to better protect the rights of victims.

In terms of services, Li Ruyu(李如玉), supervisor of the Taipei Dandelion Counseling and Sexual Trauma Recovery Center, and Wang Jiawen(王佳文), supervisor of child sexual assault services in Taipei, gave a detailed presentation to the guests on the foundation’s services for sexual assault victims.

The Dandelion Counseling and Sexual Trauma Recovery Center, established in 1994, was the first professional sexual assault counseling center in Taiwan. By utilizing the concepts of “significant others” and the “inner child,” the center provides individual and group counseling to survivors, offering a safe haven for their emotional healing.

For child sexual assault cases, the Garden of Hope works closely with hospitals, law enforcement, and other agencies to assist victims with medical examinations and reporting the crime, ensuring the protection of those who have been traumatized. In recent years, GOH have observed that many sexual assault cases involve perpetrators known to the victims, making “relationship issues” a key focus of the work of the GOH. Additionally, the GOH has recognized the complexity of trauma in sexual assault survivors, realizing that simple conversations may not be sufficient to help. As a result, they have begun developing body-oriented therapeutic approaches in recent years.

In addition to services for victims, GOH also specially invited Professor Lin Mingjie(林明傑) from the Department of Criminology at National Chung Cheng University to discuss how Taiwan addresses sexual assault perpetrators.

Starting with the definition of sexual violence, Professor Lin believes that a perpetrator’s sense of loss of power is the root cause of sexual violence. He also introduced measures for preventing recidivism among sexual assault offenders, including risk assessments, treatment programs, and gender equality education.

The foreign guests actively provided feedback and asked questions about Taiwan’s sexual assault service framework. Their inquiries included how to advocate for gender equality, how to establish professional standards for counselors, and the reporting mechanisms for sexual assault cases in Taiwan. One notable question came from Santosh, a representative of the Nepalese women’s organization Saathi, which raised a significant issue during the discussion.

“In Nepal, sexual assault victims are often subjected to social discrimination. Does Taiwan face similar situations?” Santosh asked.

“In the past, such a situation was common in Taiwan. However, we have found that in recent years, the number of young people who think this way has been slowly decreasing, but GOH will continue to advocate for this, and this is the direction we have been working in.”

International Cooperation in Combating Digital Sexual Violence is Essential

With the widespread use of technology, cases of digital sexual violence have surged globally in recent years. Taiwan, despite its technological advancements, is not immune to this issue.

The Taiwan Women’s Rescue Foundation (TWRF) has significant experience in supporting victims of digital violence. During a recent presentation, Supervisor Tseng Chun-Wei (曾峻偉) discussed the definition of digital sexual violence and shared insights from TWRF’s casework. He noted that many victims of digital violence experience learned helplessness, largely due to their inability to control the continuous distribution of their private images. As a result, they often blame themselves and become trapped in negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, and guilt.

“The only way to rescue a victim of digital sexual violence is for them to stop blaming themselves,” said Mr. Tseng.

This is why TWRF has been working closely with survivors to help them rebuild their courage in the face of adversity.

A key player in Taiwan’s fight against digital sexual violence is the Sexual Image Abuse Report Center (SIARC). Established in 2024, SIARC is responsible for the removal of sexual images throughout Taiwan. Liu Yujun (劉昱均), SIARC’s project manager, introduced the center’s services, which include legal consultations related to digital sexual violence, education on evidence preservation, and mechanisms for removing sexual images. Liu also highlighted the StopNCII program, a defense tool that converts private images into codes, allowing automatic detection and prevention of those images from being uploaded to social media platforms—a crucial step in combating digital sexual violence.

Digital sexual violence is a global crime problem. Delegates at the event paid close attention to Taiwan’s approach, noting its potential as a model for other countries. Anika, a representative from Bonhishikha Unlearn Gender, a women’s organization in Bangladesh, shared the challenges her country faces.

“Although we have a digital security law in Bangladesh, it is not well enforced, and many people are unaware that they can seek help under it,” Anika explained.

The discussion also emphasized that the true horror of digital sexual violence lies in the global spread of intimate images via the internet. Even if a victim’s country blocks the content, the images can continue to circulate worldwide. In response, SIPC noted that international cooperation is essential for removing these illegal images across borders. Only through collaboration between governments can the rights of victims be truly protected.

Public-Private Partnerships Spare No Effort to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

In Taiwan, collaboration between civil society organizations, such as the Garden of Hope Foundation (GOH), and public sector units like Social Affairs, the Police, and the Judiciary, forms the backbone of the country’s sexual assault prevention and treatment framework. This partnership is essential in providing comprehensive support to survivors of sexual violence.

The Taipei Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center is the frontline of support for survivors. Ms. Liu Yi (劉懿), head of the Sexual Assault Protection Unit, introduced Taipei City’s sexual assault prevention and treatment services to international guests. She detailed the city’s approach, which includes four key areas of focus: integrated services, victim recovery counseling, perpetrator recidivism prevention, and advocacy for prevention. Her presentation provided a thorough overview of Taiwan’s victim-centered sexual assault protection system.

Taipei City Hospital’s Women and Child Branch was the first hospital in Taiwan to implement a “one-stop service.” This initiative was designed to minimize the secondary trauma survivors face when they must recount their experiences multiple times to various agencies, such as the police, the Family Prevention Center, and the District Attorney’s Office. The one-stop service streamlines these processes, allowing victims to receive medical exams and give statements in one location, which aids in the subsequent trial process. During the visit, guests toured the hospital’s emergency room and interview room, gaining a firsthand understanding of how these services are applied in practice.

Sexual assault is considered a serious crime in Taiwan. Cases are ultimately referred to the prosecutor’s office to ensure the judicial protection of victims’ rights. To gain insight into how Taiwan’s judicial system handles sexual assault cases, the delegation visited the Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office, where Chief Prosecutor Chen Jen-Huei (陳貞卉) provided a tour of key areas, such as the investigation court, identification room, and the war situation command room. She also highlighted how the judiciary has adapted to the rise of digital sexual violence by adding a new chapter on sexual image crimes in 2023, underlining the growing significance of legal measures against this emerging form of violence.

The guests expressed interest in Taiwan’s sexual assault protection system, particularly in areas like treatment for transgender individuals and vulnerable groups such as children, as well as the broader victim treatment programs. They also shared insights into the challenges their own countries face.

Suki, a representative from JSAC (Sri Lanka), discussed the issue of women’s resettlement in shelters.

“In Sri Lanka, women who are victims of sexual assault are usually placed in shelters. However, due to the short sentences for sexual assault perpetrators, once they are released, victims often feel frustrated because they remain confined in shelters while their attackers regain their freedom.”

Santosh, from Nepal, shared the difficulties faced by sexual assault victims in his country.

“In Nepal, many victims avoid using the word ‘rape’ or refuse to go to court, leading to cases being hastily concluded. Additionally, many women are hesitant to speak up about what happened to them due to the fear of being accused of seeking financial gain.”

Deepening Community and Neighborhood Efforts: Hua Young Service Center Focuses on Emotional and Diversity Inclusion

Located in Sanchong, New Taipei City, the Hua Young Service Center is an emotional education hub for young people, established by the Garden of Hope Foundation (GOH) in partnership with the New Taipei City Government. Through various activities and educational outreach, the center offers adolescents opportunities to explore and learn about gender and emotional relationships.

Ms. Minjuan Tsai (蔡旻娟), a social worker at the Flowering Youth Center, gave an overview of the center’s work and led the guests on a tour of the emotional education area. One highlight of the tour was the “Mirror Room,” which sparked the curiosity of the visitors. The Mirror Room is designed to encourage young people to look at themselves, fostering self-recognition, self-understanding, and self-acceptance.

In addition to providing gender and emotional education for youth, GOH has recently identified a growing need to support gender-diverse communities. To meet this demand, they established the Multiple Discrimination and Sexual Violence Prevention Center(MDSVPC) with the aim of ensuring that no one in the community, especially those marginalized, is left without services.

Ms. Chen Hao-Hsun (陳鶴勳), the supervisor of the MDSVPC, introduced the center’s services to the guests, emphasizing their role in helping individuals recover and regain self-reliance. The center also advocates for the rights of those excluded by societal systems, ensuring that no one is overlooked.

After the presentation, GOH and the visiting delegation engaged in a meaningful exchange about the services offered, including whether the Hua Young Service Center provides gender and emotional education for parents, and the general attitudes of Taiwanese teenagers toward sexuality. Sopheak, director of the Cambodian Ministry of Victim Protection, shared insights about the challenges of same-sex marriage in Cambodia.

“In Cambodia, although same-sex couples can marry, they cannot obtain a marriage certificate, which means they are denied the same rights as heterosexual couples,” Sopheak explained.

Taiwan’s achievements in gender equality rank among the highest globally, and its comprehensive sexual assault service framework is viewed as a model for other nations. The guests expressed admiration for Taiwan’s work in this area and voiced their desire for closer collaboration, particularly in areas like talent development and regular exchanges of experiences to improve their own systems.

GOH has long been dedicated to sexual assault protection services and, in recent years, has worked to share Taiwan’s experiences with the international community. Moving forward, GOH will continue its role as a protector of sexual violence survivors and looks forward to partnering with other countries to build a world free from gender discrimination and violence.

From August 12 to 15, the Garden of Hope Foundation invited leaders of domestic violence NGOs and government officials from Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Nepal to Taiwan to learn from Taiwan’s domestic violence prevention and treatment framework, hoping to work together to promote gender equality in Asia.

From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Husband’s Murder Led to a Pioneering Domestic Violence Law and the GOH Foundation’s Support for Victims

“Taiwan’s domestic violence law was sparked by a husband-killing case.”
The first day of the study visit began with an introduction to the history and overall structure of domestic violence prevention and treatment in Taiwan. Starting with the case of Ms. Ruwen Deng, whose husband’s murder shocked Taiwanese society at the time, Ms. Yueh-Hao Wang, CEO of the GOH Foundation, explained the progress of Taiwan’s domestic violence services over the past 30 years. Over the years, with the promotion of women’s rights organizations such as the GOH Foundation, domestic violence is no longer seen as a family problem but as an issue shared by the whole society. In recent years, emerging issues of violence, such as domestic violence in same-sex couples and digital sexual violence, have also been brought under the protection of domestic violence laws through the efforts of women’s rights organizations.

Next, Ms. Mengxin Yeh, Director of the GOH Miaoli Branch, introduced the GOH’s efforts in domestic violence services to the guests.

“Helping victims is not just about solving the problem of violence, but also about helping them become whole again, to find themselves, and to be there for themselves,” Ms. Yeh shared with the guests.

Finally, Mr. Huang Jiekai, Director of World Vision Taiwan introduced Taiwan’s 113 Hotline to the guests. He talked about how 113 has become the most familiar helpline in Taiwan and how important it is in preventing and treating domestic violence in Taiwan.

“What are some of the difficulties you are currently experiencing in helping your clients become self-sufficient?”

Sajitha, a representative of the International Crime Prevention and Victim Care Foundation (PCVC) from India, asked this question during the discussion session. She shared her experience of working with victims of domestic violence in India and mentioned that she found it challenging to help them truly regain their independence.

“In Taiwan, it is also very difficult to get our clients to stand on their own, but we are there for them, showing them what we can do to help. However, some things they still have to do on their own,” Ms. Meng replied.

From Supporting Victims to Addressing Perpetrators: Taiwan’s Comprehensive Domestic Violence Services

The Taipei Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center (TDVSAPC) is the frontline unit that handles domestic violence cases in Taipei City. The center’s social workers took the guests on a tour of their workplace, including the crisis response room and the children’s play therapy room, and shared both the joyful and challenging moments of their work.

The social worker supervisors of the center then gave a presentation about child and adult protection services in Taiwan. They introduced the domestic violence law, enacted in 1998, which has become increasingly comprehensive. For example, the scope of protection has widened, covering children who witness violence, adolescents, non-cohabiting intimate partners, and family members in same-sex marriages. In addition, the TDVSAPC introduced the current situation of domestic violence in Taiwan. In adult protection cases, intimate partner violence remains the most common, but there has been a noticeable increase in elder abuse cases, often caused by caregiver stress. This highlights the importance of expanding long-term care resources in Taiwan.

The center emphasized that the prevention and treatment of domestic violence is no longer just a family issue but requires collaboration among various sectors, including the police, social services, justice, education, healthcare, and community resources. This teamwork is vital for effectively preventing and addressing domestic violence and ensuring survivors receive the support they need to recover.

In addition to visiting TDVSAPC, which focuses on survivor services, the guests also visited the Shu-Li Foundation, a pioneer in providing perpetrator intervention programs in Taiwan.

Ms. Li Pei-Hua, a social worker supervisor at Shu-Li Foundation, spoke about their pre-court education and counseling programs, which aim to offer perpetrators emotional support and guidance.

“Our society has stigmatized and labeled ‘violence,’ so our job is to accompany our clients as they learn to understand and accept themselves,” Ms. Li shared with the audience.

At the end of the meeting, the guests shared the current status of domestic violence prevention and treatment in their own countries. Hien, a representative from the Vietnam Center for Women and Development (CWD), discussed Vietnam’s situation. Typically, unless the victim reports the case to the police and the police confirm that domestic violence has occurred, the case is not pursued. In addition, there are no specific treatment programs for perpetrators in Vietnam. “Although perpetrators sometimes come to counseling centers, there is no law that compels them to do so,” Hien said.

The First Line of Defense: Domestic Violence Prevention and Service Accessibility Through the Eyes of Law Enforcement

The Women and Children’s Protection Division of the New Taipei City Police Department is the first to respond to domestic violence cases and is a key partner in Taiwan’s domestic violence prevention network. The Head of the Women and Children’s Protection Division, Mr. Lau Ka Tsz, warmly welcomed the guests, and officers explained the unit’s role in handling domestic violence cases.

Police officers are responsible for preventing perpetrators from committing further offenses and ensuring the protection of women and children. Officers can accompany victims for injury assessments or help them return home to collect personal belongings, ensuring they are no longer under threat. The protection of women and children depends heavily on cooperation between different agencies. When units collaborate effectively, domestic violence survivors can be better protected.

The New Taipei City Women’s and Children’s Division also introduced the standard operating procedures for handling cases and showcased various facilities. The visit helped guests gain a deeper understanding of the protection processes in New Taipei City, and they were impressed with the focus on “human rights protection” and the “improvement of victim protection measures.”

In addition to the Women and Children’s Protection Division, legal services are an essential component of domestic violence prevention. Lai Wenzhen, Director of the GOH Taoyuan Branch Office, led guests on a tour of the Taoyuan District Court. The President of the Family Court, Ms. Su Zhaorong, introduced the court’s facilities, including a cozy children’s counseling room, the Cloud Cottage, and the Family Court. The court demonstrated mechanisms that ensure domestic violence victims are separated from their abusers during hearings, allowing them to present their cases in a safe and secure environment. Social workers also explained how they collaborate with the court to complete Taiwan’s domestic violence service system.

Empowering Survivors to Achieve Self-Reliance: GOH Linkou Service Center’s Innovative Support Services

On the last day of the study visit, the guests toured the GOH Linkou Service Center, Taiwan’s first social housing community designed for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.

Lee Yuhua, Deputy Director of the GOH Linkou Service Center, and social workers guided the guests through the facility, showing them the women’s living spaces, the Sunflower Canteen for children, and the SMART Room (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment).

“We observed that while many women had escaped violence, they had fallen into poverty. This led us to think about how we could help them truly regain independence,” Director Lee explained.

GOH Linkou Service Center has developed a unique model combining housing, employment, and childcare support to help survivors rebuild their lives.
After learning about the management of the center, Joanne, a representative from the Women’s Aid Organization (Malaysia), asked, “The services here are remarkable, but given the limited capacity, where do the other victims go?”

Director Li responded by explaining the broader domestic violence services in Taiwan. After that, a social worker added, “Domestic violence stems from social injustice and gender inequality. When you see the new and well-equipped facilities here, you might think they’re a luxury. But if you look closely, the cost of replacing a child victimized by violence is much higher. We’re showing how people should live, with dignity for all.”

Taiwan, with one of the highest Gender Equality Index scores in Asia, offers a complete chain of domestic violence services through the collaboration of the government and civil society, driven by passionate organizations like GOH. This model serves as an inspiration for other countries to improve their own systems. The guests expressed their admiration for Taiwan’s approach, hoping to take their learnings home and bring more people to observe Taiwan’s practices.

In addition to working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Taiwan, GOH aims to share Taiwan’s experiences with other key women’s rights organizations and governmental agencies across Asia. Their vision is to spread gender equality worldwide, creating societies free from gender discrimination and violence.

We are thrilled to share the success of the NGOCSW68 Parallel Event co-organized by 勵馨基金會 The Garden of Hope Foundation and the Asian Network of Women’s Shelters (ANWS): “Story of Economic Violence: Telling the Real Cases in Asian Shelters.”

This forum featured 7 speakers from six different organizations and countries, including:

1️⃣ Liya Tang, Emergency Women’s Shelter Supervisor at the Garden of Hope Foundation, Taiwan

2️⃣ KITANAKA Chisato, President, co-representative of All Japan Women’s Shelters Network

3️⃣ Socheat THAK, Executive Director of Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center, Cambodia

4️⃣ Linnea Elg, Intern at the Center for Women and Development, Vietnam

5️⃣ Kavindi Wijesekera, Manager of the WIN FOR HER Social Enterprise curated by Women In Need & Anoja Makawita, Head of Counselling, Women in Need, Sri Lanka

6️⃣ Suvekchya Rana, Executive Director of Saathi, Nepal

We had a total of 160 registrations for this event, with 152 participants joining us online. Our audience comprised representatives from UN agencies, government officials, and shelter organizations from 37 different countries and regions in the world!

The forum focused on sharing experiences and insights into handling cases of economic violence in shelters across various countries. Despite the tight schedule, our audience remained highly engaged and expressed gratitude towards GOH and ANWS for co-hosting this insightful discussion. Special thanks to all the speakers and organizations who dedicated their support for the survivors and contributed to this incredible conversation!

Did you miss the live session? You can catch the replay on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2wptdWR0d0

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important dialogue. Let’s continue working together to create a world free from violence!

#NGOCSW68 #WomenEmpowerment #GOH #ANWS