Taiwan

In Taiwan, safeguarding systems for children and adults are well established through a comprehensive legal and social welfare framework. The Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act provides strong protections against abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and emphasizes the importance of family- and community-based care. Adult safeguarding is supported through various laws including the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Protection of Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act, which enable access to legal protection, social services, and emergency shelters. Taiwan also has a relatively high level of institutional responsiveness, with coordinated efforts between schools, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. However, some challenges remain—particularly regarding emotional abuse, elder neglect, and gender-based violence, which can be underreported due to family loyalty, fear of shame, or cultural reluctance to seek external intervention. Taiwanese students in the UK may be unfamiliar with UK safeguarding policies or hesitant to report personal issues that could be seen as family matters back home.

Mental health awareness in Taiwan has improved significantly in recent years, but stigma still influences how individuals approach mental wellbeing. While younger generations are increasingly open to discussing mental health, traditional attitudes—particularly among older family members—may frame mental illness as a personal failing or a topic to be kept private. Taiwan has a growing mental health support system that includes school-based counsellors, public health clinics, and crisis helplines, but access can be uneven, particularly outside urban areas. Taiwanese students studying in the UK may be aware of mental health services but may also feel reluctant to use them due to concerns about stigma, language barriers, or fear of being perceived as weak. UK university professionals can support these students by offering discreet, culturally sensitive counselling options, promoting mental health as a form of self-care and resilience, and ensuring wellbeing services are visible, non-judgmental, and easy to access. Understanding these cultural nuances can help staff build trust and provide more effective support.