Chains Of Violence :Understanding The Roots Of Domestic Violence

FITA NABILLA 

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Chains Of Violence :Understanding The Roots Of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (KDRT) is a global problem that does not respect age, gender, social status or culture. Data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women shows that in 2022, more than 11,000 cases of domestic violence will be recorded in Indonesia, with many others going unreported. This phenomenon emerges as a serious threat to family integrity and individual welfare. But what actually triggered this violence?

This essay aims to discuss the root causes of domestic violence which involve economic pressure, patriarchal culture, psychological disorders, and lack of education about healthy relationships, by including the views of experts and relevant studies as references.

The first root of the problem of domestic violence is economic pressure, the economy is often the main trigger for domestic violence. KBRN, Manado: Clinical Psychologist at RSUP Prof. Kandou Manado, Hanna Monareh, revealed that economic factors are often the cause of domestic violence (KDRT). The inability to meet daily needs, according to him, can trigger various problems in the family. A study by the World Bank (2019) found that families with low incomes are more vulnerable to experiencing domestic violence, especially when there is economic pressure such as losing a job or piling up debt.

The second root of the problem of domestic violence  is patriarchal culture. Patriarchy is a social system in which men have higher authority and power control than women. The impact of this culture and ideology also influences the provisions in Article 31 of the Marriage Law which gives rise to a view in society as if a man's power as a husband is so great that he can impose all his wishes, including through violence. Sylvia Walby, a sociologist, stated, "Patriarchy creates structures that make violence against women part of the system that is considered normal." In Indonesia, traditional norms that support wives' obedience to their husbands often make the situation worse, leaving women vulnerable to violence.

The next root problem of domestic violence is Psychological Disorders and Substance Abuse. Psychological disorders and substance abuse can be the root of the problem of domestic violence (KDRT). Psychological disorders, such as depression, antisocial personality disorder, and schizophrenia, can affect family relationships. unstable and lead to domestic violence and substance abuse, such as alcohol and drugs, can make a person act violently towards their partner. Psychiatrist Dr. David Wolfe said, "Domestic violence perpetrators often have a history of personality disorders or substance abuse that affects their emotional control." A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2021) shows that 40% of domestic violence cases involve perpetrators who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This shows a strong relationship between psychological disorders and a tendency to violent behavior.

The final root cause of domestic violence is a lack of education about healthy relationships. A lack of understanding about how to build healthy and respectful relationships is also one of the main causes of domestic violence. We can conclude that education is very important in all things and a husband has an obligation in the family to be able to educate and guide a wife, especially educating children where parents have a very important obligation. Dr. Albert Bandura, the originator of social learning theory, stated, "Violence is often learned through observation, especially in the family environment." Therefore, without proper education, this cycle of violence continues to repeat itself from one generation to the next.

Conclision, Domestic violence is a complex problem caused by a combination of factors, including economic pressure, patriarchal culture, psychological disorders, and lack of education about healthy relationships. To break the chain of violence, a holistic approach is needed that includes economic empowerment, changing cultural values, mental health interventions, and increasing public awareness through education. By understanding the roots of these problems, we can work towards a world where every individual feels safe and respected in their own home.