Alternative Justice Using Religious Principles in Solving Domestic Violence of Muslim Family in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find the level of Muslim domestic violence and the pattern of alternative justice corresponding to religious principles to solve the problem of Muslim domestic violence in southern border areas in Thailand. This was qualitative research using in-depth interviews with 52 samples, including victims, close persons, the provincial Islamic council, and Thai-Muslim family role models. The research showed that the level of Muslim domestic violence in studied communities was divided into 3 levels: 1) extreme violence, namely physical abuse 2) conflict, namely a quarrel with non-physical abuse, and 3) the way the family encountered both internal and external problems that might lead to quarrel and domestic violence. For the pattern of alternative justice corresponding to religious principles, reconciliation approaches should be used by focusing on the justice processes of all sectors along with the community. Furthermore, the recommendation of this research was to promote knowledge and skills of family life and educate good values according to Islamic principles.