Mechanisms for Ending Family Violence

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) examine the current situation, contributing factors, and measures for preventing and ending domestic violence, and 2) propose appropriate mechanisms and approaches for preventing and ending domestic violence. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, including a review of relevant documents and laws, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions in five provinces with target groups, and a questionnaire survey of 2,000 respondents using probability sampling. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

The findings indicate that domestic violence is a problem found across all communities and social strata. Forms of violence include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, with women, children, and older persons being the primary victims. The problem is often hidden due to feelings of shame and a lack of awareness of legal rights, resulting in underreporting. At the same time, many bystanders tend to remain indifferent, perceiving domestic violence as a “private family matter.” Contributing factors operate across three levels: individual factors (alcohol and substance use, irritability, neurological disorders, behavioral imitation, and stress from economic hardship); family-level factors (unequal power relations, violent child-rearing practices, lack of communication, and cramped living conditions); and community and societal factors (patriarchal norms, intolerance toward gender diversity, social indifference to violence, weak state measures, and negative influences from the media).

Existing measures remain insufficient due to a lack of inter-agency integration, unclear laws, weak law enforcement, and limited knowledge and resources among relevant agencies, resulting in inadequate protection and support for victims. The study therefore recommends addressing the issue through a systematic and holistic approach—from the individual and family levels to the community and policy levels. Proposed strategies include raising public awareness, developing life skills and non-violent parenting, establishing community-based monitoring networks, utilizing technology and AI for prevention and early detection, and designing a three-phase response system comprising the pre-incident, incident, and post-incident phases. These measures should be implemented in conjunction with integrated roles of government agencies, civil society, and multidisciplinary teams to more effectively address domestic violence.