Why some wives turn violent? Police point to financial and emotional strain
Such incidents often arise when husbands are unemployed, earn a low income or are unable to meet their family’s needs.
KUALA LUMPUR - Financial problems have been identified as the main trigger in cases of domestic abuse where wives harm their husbands.
Federal police Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director, Senior Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan said that such incidents often arise when husbands are unemployed, earn a low income or are unable to meet their family’s needs.
In addition to financial stress, emotional strain, temper issues and imbalances in household roles could also contribute to these conflicts escalating into domestic violence.
“When there is not enough money, even small issues can become big. Some husbands lose their jobs or their salaries are too low, making relationships increasingly tense,” she said.
Kamsiah also highlighted that imbalance in household roles contributes to the problem, especially when wives felt they contribute more to the family finances, which leads to dissatisfaction with their husbands.
“This situation can cause wives to act aggressively because they feel they are carrying a greater burden than their partner.
“Some feel they are supporting the family entirely. When that happens, fights occur quickly,” she said.
She added that failure to control emotions or temper, even over trivial matters such as misplaced items or childcare, frequently triggers disputes that escalate into physical or emotional abuse.
Many couples already experience tension from the start of their marriage, including lack of family approval, which could make arguments more likely and more intense.
“Sometimes minor conflicts, like everyday misunderstandings, can develop into serious disputes if both parties fail to manage their anger,” she said.
Siti further pointed out that many husbands were reluctant to report abuse to the police and in some cases, complaints were only filed by family members after the husband had been hospitalised.
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