NOTE: In sharing results of an exploratory case study, it is important to note that generalizations reported in our Major Findings are the perceptions of participants and should not be assumed to be representative of the Cambodian population.3.1 Context of Family Conflict
3.1.1 Type of Conflict/Violence
Summary of Findings
3.1 Objective 1: Identify the context and type of family conflict that community peacebuilders have experienced.
In each of the four cases, participants described experiences of conflict common to family life. No incidents of physical violence were reported. Verbally aggressive behaviors were noted, with accompanying emotional pain, but there were no indications of chronic patterns of abuse. If conflict were to escalate to violence, it would most likely be consistent with Kelly and Johnson's description of situational couple violence. Especially important in the experience of conflict were: the perception of being misunderstood, the experience of verbal aggression, and the challenge of reconciliation.
Although the cases were each unique in their experience of family conflict, several patterns emerged during data analysis. The first was relevant to Kelly and Johnson’s (2008) theory of typologies of domestic violence. As illustrated below, if escalated to violence, the conflicts that participants described best fit with Kelly and Johnson's description of Situational Couple Violence (SCV). Conflict was typically reciprocal (i.e., engaged in by both partners and not gender specific), aggravated by poor ability (in one or both partners) to manage both conflict and/or overwhelming emotions, and not chronic. Finally, although SCV can include physical violence, there was no indication of this in these cases and conflicts appeared to occur irregularly. (n2)
Three other patterns were especially prominent in illustrating the conflicts. First, the conflict and violence typically stemmed from arguments and/or lack of understanding/empathy. Second, violence was typically verbal/emotional. Third, families struggled to find appropriate models of reconciliation.
The final section of the discussion explores limitations and factors that aggravated the conflicts.
***Notes1) Stories of Significant Change relevant to family life are also included, especially since material from the March 2009 external evaluation of Peace Bridges is not confidential.2) It should be noted that the discussion of cultural factors (section 3.1.2) illuminates several possibilities for how families could become subject to, for instance, Chronic Controlling Violence (CCV), particularly through gender stereotypes (especially as it relates to power and control) and social attitudes toward violence (generally and toward women).
