Causes of domestic violence between Thai Muslim married couples in Satun province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative study were to investigate causes of domestic violence between Thai Muslim married couples in Satun Province. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with three groups of key informants in Satun Province consisting of 1) twenty women facing domestic violence who were admitted in Satun Hospital through the One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC), 2) fifteen married husbands and wives using domestic violence recommended by the Community Mosque Committee, and 3) ten religious leaders. To analyze the data, content analysis was performed using logical comparison with concepts, theories, and research coupled with the context. It was found that domestic violence between Thai Muslim married couples in Satun Province stemmed from five important causes. 1) jealousy and suspicions, 2) alcohol and drug abuse, 3) lack of physical and mental readiness for building their own family, 4) lack of activities contributing to caring and understanding in the family, and 5) husbands’ values and belief in male dominance.