A Prototype Urban Community Family Development Center: Developing Systems and Mechanisms for Preventing and Addressing Domestic Violence through the Participation of “Baworn”

Abstract

This research article aims to: (1) synthesize knowledge from sub-projects under the same research program to develop systems and mechanisms for family protection in urban communities; (2) design and develop a systemic innovation for a prototype Urban Community Family Development Center through the participation of the “Boworn” network (Home–Temple–School/Government); and (3) evaluate the model’s potential for application and scalability in urban contexts. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, integrating Mixed Methods Research with Participatory Action Research (PAR).

The findings revealed that: (1) the synthesis of knowledge from Sub-project 1, the SAFE Model, and Sub-project 2, the RBS Model, led to the development of an integrated Urban Family Protection Ecosystem. This framework incorporates three principal dimensions—human development, systemic development, and social space—mobilized through the “Boworn” mechanism to foster collaboration among key stakeholders; (2) the systemic innovation resulted in the Urban Buddhist Family Protection Ecosystem (UBFPE), which comprises community mentor development, integrated management systems, and the utilization of religious institutions as central hubs for collaborative networks aimed at monitoring, preventing, and addressing domestic violence in a systematic manner; and (3) the evaluation of the UBFPE demonstrated a high level of suitability for adaptation in urban communities with similar contexts. The model’s strengths lie in leveraging social capital and participatory engagement, thereby strengthening family resilience and ensuring the sustainable prevention of domestic violence.