The MINANGKABAU WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PADANG, WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who have faced domestic violence, focusing on the causes of the violence, its impact on their health, and the decision-making processes they undertook in response. Method: This study used a phenomenological study approach. The inclusion criteria were; women from the Minangkabau tribe, aged between 18 and 40, women who were married or had ever been married and having children. Participant recruitment was conducted through the P2TP2A and Woman Crisis Center (WCC) “Nurani Perempuan”, based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Nine women were involved. In-depth face-to-face interviews and field notes were used to collect the data. The interviewers were transcribed verbatim, and themes analysis was performed using the Collaizzi technique with seven analysis steps. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) failure to resolve family conflict, describing the interpersonal and situational factors that triggered violence; (2) physical and psychological despair, capturing the negative health impacts experienced by women; (3) inability to make decisions, illustrating their struggles in responding to the violence; and (4) need for external support, highlighting the role of formal and informal assistance in coping with their situations. Conclusions: The study highlights that women's vulnerability to domestic violence is shaped by unresolved family conflict, poor health outcomes, limited decision-making power. Strengthening community-based support and culturally sensitive interventions is recommended to empower women and reduce the risk of domestic violence.