Catholic nuns assist victims of domestic abuse to rebuild lives in Vietnam

A group of Catholic nuns in Vietnam are helping victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives.

Sr. Mary Vu Thi Ngoc, a member of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, helps several women who have experienced domestic violence in families through medical support, counseling, professional guidance and teaching, and learning alternative livelihood options to earn a living.

The Vietnamese government recorded 3,240 cases of domestic violence across 3,122 households, according to a 2023 report.

Physical violence was the most common, with 1,520 cases, followed by psychological abuse with 1,404 cases, economic abuse with 230 cases, and sexual violence with 110 cases. Among the 3,193 victims, 2,628 were women.

Women suffer due to domestic violence. They cannot endure for too long. They need help from others to change their struggles, says Sister Ngoc.

Ngoc, a coordinator of the congregation's ministry for the sick and distressed, says domestic abuse must end in families.

The nun and her team, which includes three sisters and 15 lay volunteers, listen to the plights of women who have suffered domestic violence and comfort them, giving them hope to change the situation for the better, said Ngoc, a psychologist and social worker.

Over the years, the team has rescued 48 women from domestic abuse. The nun provides financial help for medical needs. She repairs their homes, if needed, and provides help to begin small-scale businesses.

During the last three years, about 60 nuns have reconciled with their husbands after marital conflicts.

At least eight women stay in a shelter run by the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, reports Global Sisters Report. They learn vocational training, study self-defense techniques, and learn problem-solving skills to protect themselves, seek help, and reach out to the nuns when needed.

Ngoc, the 62-year-old nun, says her team also dialogues with husbands to care for their wives, to forgive, reconcile, and accept each other.

However, given the patriarchal traditions and mindset that prevail in society, where men are the head of the family and women need to submit to their husbands unconditionally, there is little space for women’s agency, respect, and dignity.

The sources of domestic violence are deep-rooted in societal patriarchal traditions. In addition, domestic abuse does happen because men are abusive, jealous, unemployed, and addicted to alcoholism and gambling. They also have poor education, mental health issues, and a general sense of despair. Men treat women as subordinates, resorting to violence to assert authority rather than expressing care, love, and respect.

Meanwhile, women who suffer domestic violence often live in remote areas and lack the confidence to report domestic abuse cases to authorities or seek professional help from others. They also live in fear and shame and struggle to sustain relationships in families amid hordes of conflicts.

The nuns offer shelter, maternity care, and job training for pregnant women abandoned by their partners, helping them live independently and raise their children with dignity.

Additionally, the nuns face several challenges in their ministry while assisting women subjected to domestic violence. Despite the challenges, they continue to work for women’s welfare with the support of government agencies, parishioners, volunteers, and others.