Women members participate in training on "Conflict Resolution Skills in the Family".

Timely intervention

Ms. Ng.TT (Quang Dien commune) once frantically ran to a neighbor's house for help after being beaten by her husband in a fit of baseless jealousy. The accumulated conflict over many days threatened to break her marriage.

Upon receiving the information, the Women's Union of Quang Dien commune immediately sent officials to the home to listen to the couple's concerns, analyze the causes, and guide them on how to resolve the conflict. The Union arranged for both sides to sit down for dialogue and sign a commitment not to repeat the violence. Thanks to persistent encouragement, Ms. T.'s family life gradually stabilized, and her husband realized his mistakes and changed his behavior.

Prior to Ms. T.'s case, the Women's Union of Quang Dien commune had successfully mediated two family conflicts and prevented one case of child abuse.

Ms. Phan Thi Phuong My, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Quang Dien commune, said: “Many women are victims of violence but choose to remain silent. Therefore, the Women's Union officials in the commune always proactively monitor the area and provide timely support so that no one has to suffer harm in their own home. When women are listened to and empowered, violence can be completely prevented and pushed back.”

Equip yourself with the skills to protect yourself.

The case of Ms. TT Ng. (My Thuong ward) is also a story full of resilience. Having endured years of a hot-tempered and violent husband, Ms. Ng. had considered ending her tearful marriage. But after receiving advice, guidance on coping skills, and legal support from the Women's Union of the ward, she learned to speak up to protect herself.

This transformation also changed her husband, who no longer looked down on her. The couple gradually found common ground, and her husband became happier, focused on his work, and abandoned his violent behavior. Ms. Ng's family now lives in harmony.

Ms. Ng shared: “If it weren't for the women's associations at all levels, I probably would still be enduring it. Because I still thought that if I remained silent and endured it, my children wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of a broken family. But now I understand that for a family to be happy, a woman must first learn to love herself.”

In addition to intervening in cases of physical violence, women's associations at all levels also regularly educate and encourage members to know how to resist and protect themselves from psychological violence. This is because psychological violence often exists silently and causes deep harm, especially to young women and children.

Over the past three years, women's associations at all levels have organized over 200 communication activities, equipping hundreds of thousands of women with knowledge on gender equality and skills in preventing and combating violence. Models such as "Families with 5 No's and 3 Cleanliness Standards," "Core Women's Associations for Violence Prevention and Control," and "Safe Homes for Children" have been widely implemented, significantly contributing to a reduction in domestic conflicts.

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Loan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of the city, emphasized: "Women in the new era need courage, knowledge, and skills to protect themselves. The city will continue to build a network to support women who have experienced violence, strengthen supervision at the grassroots level, and promote communication to eliminate domestic violence at its root."

Ms. Loan stated that the City Women's Union will continue to expand its communication efforts within the community, helping people change their perceptions of gender equality. Simultaneously, it will provide training to equip union officials with knowledge and enhance their capacity, especially in psychological and legal counseling skills; and closely coordinate with local agencies, organizations, and associations to create a network for the safe protection of women and children.

Text and photos: Thao Vy

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/an-sinh-xa-hoi/de-gia-dinh-thuc-su-la-mai-am-160556.html