There’s an old Vietnamese proverb ‘Den nha ai nay rang’ that means, loosely, ‘Shine the light only in one’s own home [and not on others’].’ This approach illustrates part of the problem of why violence against wives and girlfriends may sometimes occur when neighbors and acquaintances turn a blind eye.
Domestic violence against women (DVAW) is a worldwide issue harming both the physical and mental health of many women and destabilizing many families. The Government of Vietnam in the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy has recognized that DVAW and its root causes need further attention.
But, has anything positive come out of?
If we go according to the figures
1. The local women reported that serious physical violence and verbal abuse occurred in 10 of the village’s 60 families.
2. Domestic violence is responsible for 1.2% of suicides, most of which happen in remote areas.
3. 30% of domestic violence reports involve some form of sexual abuse.
4. 60% of people committing acts of violence against their spouses have problems with alcohol abuse.
Reasons that have escalated domestic violence are overuse of alcohol, gambling, drug addiction, adultery, jealousy, and a lack of legal understanding.
Bottom line
Domestic violence legislation is relatively adequate, but scattered and some sanctions are inappropriate.
The need of the hour is to change the attitude of communities from neglect and acceptance of domestic violence to actively preventing and stopping it, and providing proper counseling and care for victims and violators.
Finally, health service providers, including doctors, nurses and midwifes at all levels, must be trained to respond to domestic violence, including proper counseling, care, and treatment.
