According to information from the Ministry of Public Security, every two to three days, a person is killed due to domestic violence. From 2000-2005, the People’s Court of 42 provinces in Vietnam heard 10608 divorce cases. Among them, 42 % - almost half - of all the cases involved domestic violence.
Clearly we can perceive the serious nature of domestic violence in Vietnam at present. Firstly, let us discuss what is meant by “domestic violence”?
In most cases, domestic violence involves the husband using force against his wife . This can also involve insulting and demeaning behaviour, and forced sexual relations. Although this may be very apparent between the couple, many people around the victim, even relatives, know nothing. This makes it even more difficult to solve the problem and to prevent further violence in the family.
Domestic violence is illegal. Not only can it destroy families and relationships, but as a whole, it can hinder the development of the country. To prevent and to resolve domestic violence, comprehensive and pragmatic solutions must be sought.
There are many reasons that lead to violence in the family:
The victim:
The characteristics of women are often gentle and weak. If they argue with their husband, they usually make the concession or concessions. This has become a habit. If the woman refuses to concede, the husband may resort to hurting their wives’ body and mind through domestic violence. This could happen on a day to day basis or less frequently. Even way, the woman is affected negatively..
Often, the woman accepts sadness and pain because of low self – esteem. They may think that they do not deserve to have “perfect love” for reasons originating from their appearance, their job or social status, or their past. This type of thinking has prevented women from actively resisting the negative action of their husband.
Many women possess limited education and consequently knowledge. They see themselves as tied to their husbands to help them through life. They see themselves inclined to overlook issues like domestic violence in order to live with them.
On the other hand, despite a high level of intelligence and perception, a woman may not want their family, their children, or their friends to know that they are facing violence in the family. They may feel ashamed, shy and isolated, so will find many ways to hide their problems. If they can no longer bear the problem, this usually leads to actions, including divorce.
Women may lack basic knowledge to help protect themselves: how to respond to the first instances of family violence,, who to turn to for help and what to do if their husband continues to be violent against themselves etc?
The society:
Vietnam is a country which many traditions, particularly when it comes to aspects of the family. By tradition, it is the husband who is the decision-maker, not the wife. The role of the wife is much simpler; to undertake housework and listen to the husband. Consequently, if the wife resists or disagrees with a decision or an opinion made by the husband will talk to them with the “fist”.
Due to the fact domestic violence has only recently been recognized as a growing problem in the country, there are no adequate and comprehensive solutions made to the problem, including punishment.
3. It is only recently that the issue of domestic violence has indeed been recognized as a “problem”. There are a few official, legal or non-governmental organizations which highlight, report and protect rights of the women.
HOW TO HELP WOMEN COPE WITH VIOLENCE
The solution to prevent and defeat violence in the family is ultimately up to each of us. Firstly, we must understand the issue. Once this is done, we can approach and open ourselves to victims of domestic violence, in particular to woman and their children. Traditionally, we have overlooked the problem of domestic violence. We now need reach out and draw the victims back into a safe world in which they can live with dignity and respect.
There are ways to help victims of domestic violence. For women who have suffered often long and painful domestic violence, often termed “battered women” the first step is to learn as much as possible ways in which to protect themselves when they are faced by domestic violence. They should research ways in which to overcome the problem, including talking to friends and family despite the shame they may feel they will be get, and member of law enforcement, such as the police.
If a woman has been abused by a man, they need to accuse that man. They should not suffer and keep silent their issues for a long time. Furthermore, if the abused or battered woman tries to leave the situation without resolving it, her chances of being physically hurt or even murdered by her husband increase dramatically. For the role of society, adequate and accessible agencies must be established and strengthened to protect victims of domestic violence. Moreover, these agencies must take the fight to the perpetrators, the local protective agencies should encourage women take part in the courses about marriage and family laws so that they can fully understand and protect themselves against would-be perpetrators. At the same time, we need to work together to help prevent of domestic violence in order to prevent one of these social evil. Moreover, apply the doctrine of: “Accessibility – Consulting – Education – Punishment”. Explain to women about their rights and roles in the family and. For the government, effective ways in which to deal with perpetrators must be sought, including strict laws on domestic violence, including prison sentences, opportunities to reform, and for the most severe offenders, the death penalty.
Society needs to open its eyes to the problem of domestic violence. No one should ignore the growing problem of domestic violence in Vietnam. As a society, we need to help prevent and ultimately cure the problem of domestic violence, so families can lead better lives.
