Factors That Can Trigger Violent Behaviour

Psychologist Samanta Clara Elsener, S.Psi, M.Psi, Psikolog, stated that family background, parenting styles, childhood experiences, and social environment can be factors that trigger violent behaviour in a person. The official from the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) explained that in psychology, there is a term known as the cycle of violence. This term refers to a pattern where violence experienced or witnessed by someone during childhood can influence how they understand emotions, relationships, and problem-solving as adults. According to Samanta, children raised with harsh parenting are at risk of viewing actions such as hitting, cursing, or confinement as a form of discipline. Under certain conditions, these actions are then seen as an acceptable way to control others. “If from childhood a child is raised in an environment that considers hitting, cursing, and confinement as a way to solve problems or as discipline, their brain will record that violence is normal to do when angry or wanting to control someone,” Samanta said. Samanta noted that adverse childhood experiences can also affect a person’s emotional development into adulthood. Children who experience or witness domestic violence, according to her, have the potential to experience emotional development disorders if they do not receive adequate intervention. “When they grow up, some people who do not get trauma recovery will switch roles, from previously being victims to becoming perpetrators so that they no longer feel weak,” she said. However, Samanta emphasised that a difficult childhood does not automatically make someone a perpetrator of violence. Many individuals who have experienced difficult childhoods are still able to break the cycle of violence through social support, education, and professional help. In addition to family and childhood experiences, Samanta assessed that the social environment also plays a role in shaping a person’s behaviour. An environment that normalises aggression can make violence more easily accepted as a response to conflict. “A toxic social environment, lacking emotional education, or even tolerating aggressive behaviour also cultivates a talent for violence within a person,” said Samanta. The statement was made amidst public attention on the case of a 29-year-old woman from Bandung Regency who was found to be a victim of confinement and abuse for three years. The woman, who had lost contact with her family since 2023, was found in critical condition in a hospital. She reportedly suffered confinement and abuse by her boyfriend for three years. To her father, the victim confessed to experiencing extremely cruel abuse during that period. During that time, the perpetrator frequently moved the victim from one boarding house to another in the Cileunyi area, Bandung Regency, to avoid suspicion from local residents. Samanta stressed that violence does not arise from a single factor. Parenting styles, traumatic experiences, and environments that tolerate aggression can reinforce each other. Therefore, trauma recovery, emotional education, and professional support are crucial to prevent the chain of violence from repeating.