Seekers and the lifelong brainwashing they instill into the masses of common folk is far more harsh and allows for no room to even consider bending rules. The reason it's "safe" in the Seanchan lands is because there is no freedom for anyone to act outside of their station. If all you want in life is to do your specific role and know that you'll never do anything else and you don't mind sitting around when the government comes and takes away your friends and family whenever they like... The Empire is for you.

Again, it's beyond just the damane the Seekers have the RIGHT to take anyone for questioning with little, if any, proof to justify the questioning. The Seanchan strip away any sense of individuality in the populace, then insure such fear in the people to ensure they only ever look out for themselves. It's an interesting paradox.

Just because there is less crime doesn't mean the people of the Empire are treated any better.