Women's Communication Model in Dealing with Domestic Violence in the Tangkahan Lagan Barat Environment

This research examines the communication model of women facing domestic violence (DV) in the Tangkahan Lagan Barat environment, a coastal area characterized by a tough society, lower-middle economic conditions, and relatively low education levels. The background highlights that female DV victims often choose silence and do not report cases due to social fear, economic dependence, and misguided religious understandings, exacerbated by unhealthy gender relations and male domination. The study's primary objectives are to analyze women's communication with their surroundings, their strategies in facing DV, and the communication model employed. Utilizing a critical paradigm and a qualitative approach with a case study method, this research aims to uncover unjust social structures and empower women. Theories applied include interpersonal communication theory, Muted Group Theory (which explains how minority groups like women can be silenced), Self-disclosure, and Gender theory. Five main informants were involved, with source triangulation from a psychologist and the Head of the Women Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (PPA) in Binjai City. The findings indicate that female DV victims tend to maintain their marriages and do not report violence due to the normalization of abuse, social stigma (shame if others hear), and repeated persuasion from their partners.