BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE ON PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BY THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Abstract

This research has 3 objectives i.e., (1) to study dharma principle relating to participation pursuant to the dharma principles in Buddhism; (2) to study nature of problems and obstacles in operation of the pilot community in prevention of domestic violence and (3) to study the community’s participation in prevention of domestic violence pursuant to the dharma principles in Buddhism.  This research utilizes qualitative research by documentary research and in-depth interview to various key informants comprising with the state agencies’ officials and officials being subordinate to Maung Nang Rong Municipality, Buriram province, the community mainstay, dwellers in the community, abbot and volunteer in the community involving in prevention of the problem of domestic violence for total 10 people.

The research’s findings include several significant dharma principles in Buddhism relating to participation are Iddhipãda 4, Brahmavihãra 4, dharma principle in Aggaññasuttamฺ,            Sanํgahavatthu 4 and Sãranĩyadhamma 6.The operation of this regard in the community has encountered a number of important problems and obstacles i.e., problem of the community members’ attitudes, problem of delay in notification of the domestic violence incident and problem of the recidivism of violence. The researcher applies two significant dharma principles in Buddhism, Sanํgahavatthu 4 and Sãranĩyadhamma 6 in the analysis to find relevant ways of the community’s participation in prevention of domestic violence pursuant to dharma principles in Buddhism i.e., there should be watchdog of violence incident in the family and the community, provision of mutual assistance in form of multi-disciplinary network, verbal warning and advice, training to the community members, use of speaking skill by the community leader in mediation of disputes, benevolence and mutual help in the community e.g., various volunteers in the community, sharing among community members, deportment as good role model, aware of role and duties of oneself, regularly joining in activities with the community members and collectively abiding by law and following existing guideline of the community.