The main objective of this study on the violence against wives is to investigate the facts concerning the abused, abuser and community attitudes, including coping mechanisms and community sanctions in case of violence against wives.
This study was conducted using qualitative research methods and survey research methods. Two different communities in Bangkok were selected. Means one is representative of the regular Buddhist community and the other is a serious practice Buddhist community. The research tools used in this study were observation, in-depth interview and structured questionnaire, for those over age 15. For the eight pairs of husband and wives qualitative research method were used. The data was coded using content and thematic analysis by Ethnograph 4.0 program. The total number of participants surveyed by the study was 287, data analysis was by percentage and chi-square.
The study show significance of violence against wives is viewed in different ways depending on community attitude and context. Causes of violence against wives include: extra-marital sex, jealousy, lack of communication, lack of money, alcohol use, husbands’ degree of control over his wife and difference in husband/wife attitudes. The abused and abuser look at the significance of violence from quite different perspectives. As far as extra-marital sex, the abused told all the details while the abuser denies the occurance. In the case of the wife having extra-marital sex there is a significant stigma attached. When the husband has extra-marital sex the wife blame herself.
Furthermore, finding on community attitude reveal that violence against wives is not just a domestic problem but a community problem. One community is taking steps to deal with this problem, while the other looks at this as a private problem.
Active step must be taken to respect and protect human rights by stopping violence against wives. Community awareness about violence against wives must be promoted by the society and the media.
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