Behavior of Perpetrators and What It Takes to Break the Cycle
- Phearum Sorn
- August 15, 2024
Violence is amongst the most hateful acts a person could carry out. It can be found in all places across the world resulting in many detrimental effects toward individuals and the community. Domestic violence is a crucial factor in creating barriers that separate families from being prosperous, prevent communities from being civilized, and hinder the development of the country. Over decades, Cambodian citizens have suffered from violence and it has greatly affected the childhood of many people.
CHEC is a Cambodian NGO aiming to help and solve any communal issues with the vision of a nation with thriving communities. The iMPACT STORY team was able to help produce a video documentary on behavior change of men who committed domestic violence. Being a part of the project was able to grant our team the idea of the different perspectives the perpetrators might have regarding their actions.
Domestic violence existed long before the system and rule was able to be systematized. Back then, masculinity was the dominant attribute and was seen to be the driving force toward factors of daily life. As a result, we can see husbands commit violence over their wives and kids. The stereotype of this trend leads to generations of men seeing this as a way to build a rightful and orderly family. Moreover, the video documentary showcases a family who has experienced domestic violence.
Here is what the husband who used to commit violence on his wife and kids explained his reason to be:
"When I was a teenager, I witnessed a lot of domestic violence from husband to wife. Wives were very afraid of their husbands. I often see wives preparing meals, taking off shoes for their husbands. I thought that it was cool. So I wanted to be like them. I used to think violence as just part of life."
Furthermore, growing up in a rural side of the country also means they don’t have access to good education and won’t perceive domestic violence as something that could cause much negativity. Instead, the husband saw it as a way to, “educate his children.”
Waking up with this mentality is quite a struggle for those surrounding them as they would see violence as the answer to showing dominance and true leadership. This masculinity influence has harmed not only the well-being of individuals but also their rights. With men behaving as dominant in the family, women are forced to be the ones serving and supporting them from behind.
In conclusion, it is our job to help support social development and continue making an impact through films and stories. As a team filled with old and young generations, we at iMPACT STORY truly believe that changes need to happen in order to convey a different message of what needs to be done to help better our community and country. Violence and gender inequality must not be nostalgic and we need to change the norm and create communities that are healthy and developed.
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