Lived experiences of domestic violence among Minangkabau women: A
phenomenological study

Lived experiences of domestic violence among Minangkabau women: A
phenomenological study

cultural norms; domestic violence; gender-based violence;
phenomenology

Background: Very few studies try to explore women’s experiences with
violence in the Minangkabau cultural sphere. Thus, a phenomenological
inquiry is timely to illuminate how Minangkabau women themselves
experience, interpret, and respond to violence within these evolving cultural
dynamics.
Purpose: 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.
Methods: This study used a phenomenological study approach. The
inclusion criteria were women from the Minangkabau tribe, aged 18-40,
married or previously married, and with children. Participant recruitment was
conducted through the Pusat Pelayanan Terpadu Pemberdayaan Perempuan
dan Anak/ Integrated Service Center for the Empowerment of Women and
Children) and the Women’s Crisis Center (WCC) “Nurani Perempuan”, based
on predetermined inclusion criteria. Data collection continued until thematic
saturation was reached. Nine women were involved. In-depth interviews and
field notes were transcribed verbatim, and theme analysis was performed
using the seven-step Collaizzi technique.
Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) failure to resolve family
conflict; (2) physical and psychological despair; (3) inability to make decisions;
(4) need for external support. Participants’ experiences reflect the erosion of
traditional protective systems due to cultural shifts, economic dependence,
and societal pressures.
Conclusions: The study highlights that unresolved family conflict, poor
health outcomes, and limited decision-making power shape women’s
vulnerability to domestic violence. Strengthening community-based support
and culturally sensitive interventions is recommended to empower women
and reduce the risk of domestic violence.

Yanti Puspita Sari1* , Khatijah Lim Abdullah2 , Hermalinda Herman1

http://jkp.fkep.unpad.ac.id/index.
php/jkp

December 20, 2025

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