One of the most serious society problems in Cambodia today is domestic violence. A study revealed that more than 10 per cent of Cambodian men reported that they used violence on their wives. Between 15 and 25 percent of Cambodian women are beaten by their husbands and nearly 74 percent of women know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence is defined as '' assault and coercive behaviors that adults use against their intimate partner. Domestic Violence is a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses or former spouses, those in a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have biological or legal parent-child relationship. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse, emotional abuse controlling or domineering; intimidation, stalking, passive or covert abuse, and economic deprivation. Accordingly, there are several factors that cause these problems. What are they?
First is because of stress. It may be increased when a person is living in a family situation, with increased pressures. Social stresses, due to inadequate finances or other such problems in a family may further increase tensions. Violence is not always caused by stress, but may be one way that some people respond to stress. Families and couples in poverty may be more likely to experience domestic violence, due to increased stress and conflicts about finances and other aspects. Some speculate that poverty may hinder a man's ability to live up to his idea of "successful manhood", thus he fears losing honor and respect. Theory suggests that when he is unable to economically support his wife, and maintain control, he may turn to misogyny, substance abuse, and crime as ways