A Buddhist Approach to Reduce Domestic Violence Between Husband and Wife Within Vietnamese Society
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Abstract
Domestic violence between husbands and wives remains a serious social problem in Vietnamese society, while existing interventions have not fully addressed its root causes. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) examine the forms and causes of domestic violence between husbands and wives in Vietnamese society, (2) examine Buddhist teachings related to peaceful and respectful family relationships, and (3) propose a Buddhist approach to reducing domestic violence between husbands and wives in Vietnamese society. This study employed a qualitative research methodology combining documentary research and in-depth interviews. Primary sources included the Tipiṭaka, Commentaries, Sub-commentaries, and Buddhist scriptures related to morality, mindfulness, compassion, and household life, while secondary sources included academic books, journal articles, and previous research on domestic violence and Buddhist psychology.
The findings indicate that domestic violence in Vietnamese society occurs in physical, psychological, sexual, and economic forms. Major causes include economic pressure, alcohol addiction, patriarchal ideology, emotional instability, jealousy, and poor communication. Domestic violence can cause long-term emotional suffering, psychological trauma, and insecurity for women and children. Buddhist teachings related to peaceful and respectful family relationships, such as mindfulness, Brahmavihāra, Sigālovāda Sutta, Bhariyā Sutta, Saṅgahavatthu, Saṃvāsa Sutta, Samajīvī-dhamma, and Gharavāsa-dhamma, provide ethical and psychological foundations for harmonious family relationships. The research further proposes a Buddhist approach consisting of (1) Virtuous Conduct, (2) Inner Cultivation, (3) Responsible Conduct, and (4) Supportive Conduct to reduce domestic violence and promote peaceful family life within Vietnamese society.
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