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March 19, 2025The Effect of Domestic Violence on the Growth of Children in the First 1000 Days of Life
A simple family lives in Tominuku Village, North Central Alor District: the family of Yakub Mamai (36) and Samaria Makanma (35). The couple has been blessed with five children. However, their family life was far from harmonious. Samaria, a housewife, shared that in 2020, she experienced domestic violence while pregnant with their fifth child. Her husband hit her, causing an injury to her left eye that almost left her blind. Following this incident, Samaria reported her husband to the Alor Resort Police, and he was sentenced to 14 months in jail. Afterward, Samaria realized she was pregnant. By the time her husband had completed his sentence, Samaria had already given birth to a baby boy. The boy was born underweight. When he was almost 15 months old, the boy became ill. His mother felt hopeless and did not take him to the health clinic (puskesmas), because there was an assumption that the child was sick due to his father's actions.
Samaria's husband admitted to the violence he had committed against his wife. Mr. Yakub explained that after he was called by the police as a suspect of domestic violence, he realized his mistakes and was ready to serve his 14-month jail sentence. After Yakub was released and walked out of the penitentiary, he had two options in mind: to return to his village or to his wife's home. After careful consideration, he felt the strongest pull in his heart to return to his wife and children. At first, his wife rejected him because she was still upset with his past actions, but over time, his wife, children, and family gradually accepted him again.
Yakub Mamai and Samaria Makanma’s Family
Stepping Towards Change
The conflict between the couple affected the baby in the mother’s womb. The health of the mother and fetus was compromised, and Samaria gave birth to her child without the assistance of a healthcare worker. The child’s growth and development were not properly monitored by the nearby healthcare providers. Her husband believed that the healthcare services did not take their children’s health seriously, so he evicted every healthcare worker who came to their house. As time went on, the child’s condition worsened. When Puskesmas Mainang heard about the situation, they came to check on the mother and baby. However, the healthcare workers were evicted and even chased with a machete by the husband. This caused most of the healthcare workers to be afraid to visit the mother and baby. Nevertheless, when UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM facilitated a Tuberculosis screening at the Tominuku Village Office Hall, the mother took the initiative in hopes of getting help for her child. The child was found in an alarming condition with a puckered bottom, unable to walk, and weighing only around 6 kg at 1 year old. Since the discovery, the staff of UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM have tried to convince and help the parents understand the importance of taking the child for a medical check-up. The parents agreed and took the child to the General Hospital in Kalabahi. The examination results showed no disease symptoms; however, the child was diagnosed with malnutrition. After returning home, Samaria was assisted in preparing nutritious meals for her child. During monthly weigh-ins, the child’s condition was continuously monitored. By July 1, 2023, it was noted that the child had gained weight, reaching 8.1 kg. The child had also become more active and had started walking slowly, although still unable to stand or walk for extended periods.
Nutritionist Midwife who Accompanied
Aksamina Karmani is a Nutritionist Midwife from Puskesmas Mainang. Almost all pregnant women and babies are under her care, including Samaria. She said that it was difficult indeed for us to provide services for Samaria and her child, even though Samaria gave birth at her own home. All methods were taken, but there was no result until UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM arrived and Samaria decided to take her child for a check-up. Aksa accompanied them to Kalabahi for the examination and also taught Samaria how to prepare food and vitamins for the baby. Until now, Aksa has continued to monitor the baby’s development at Posyandu or when meeting the mother and her children in Mainang Market.
Education on Violence Against Women and Children
Seeing the condition of this family, which refused to seek treatment for their child, UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM’s staff built communication with the local government, Puskesmas and police. Eventually, they were able to meet the baby’s parents and provide them with education on children’s health, as well as the laws governing children’s rights. From these explanations and approaches, the baby’s father finally agreed to take his child to healthcare and start to improve their living situation. Yakub was eventually moved by his heart to allow his child to have health care services. On a broader scale, there was also a socialization event on violence against women and children held at the church, with SUPER Alor as speaker. This event opened up people’s insight and understanding regarding domestic violence. Samaria also participated in the socialization because she was experiencing violence. She had chosen to act as a defender and an emotional outlet for her husband when he became angry with their children. During the socialization, her husband still avoided being involved in the activities on July 13, 2023. Initially, her husband was unconcerned and rude to her, now willing to take their child to Posyandu. Yakub also participated for the first time join the parenting and child behavior patterns event at Ebenhaizer Fungwati Church. He has also made a private kitchen for daily cooking, previously they used just one room for sleeping and cooking. Slowly he is getting better than before.
(Mirna Lanmay)
