'Men from lower-income group abusive'

International Women's Day was commemorated on Monday across the world. The theme of the day was the issue of HIV/AIDS, which is increasingly affecting women and girls. Another issue highlighted by women's groups on that day was domestic violence. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about these issues.

Janni, 28, is an analyst for a national bank on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She lives in Setiabudi, South Jakarta:

Economic problems have often triggered domestic violence as many cases involve low-income people. However, this is not always so...

Many men, whose income are very low, release their anger and frustration on their wives and children by beating them.

I think, that women should also choose their husbands carefully to avoid domestic violence.

A woman should have identified the true character of her future husband before getting married. I think parents must stop acting as matchmakers for their children. They should let them make their own choices. Making the wrong choice could be dangerous or even fatal.

Emrino Prasetya, 31, works for an electronics company in Slipi, West Jakarta. He lives in Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta:

Many domestic violence cases happen in low-income families. I believe that domestic violence directly relates to the family's economic condition.

Husbands who earn less than their wives beat them to relieve the pressure.

Women who are victims of domestic violence must file reports with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or legal aid foundations, if they are ashamed to report the case to the police. Many NGOs and foundations are equipped to handle such cases now, so, I think it's not difficult to find them.

-- The Jakarta Post