e-ISSN: 2723-6692 🕮 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 9, September 2024 2269
As a form of mass media, film serves as a medium to communicate various ideas and
concepts and can create an impact through its screening. When individuals watch a movie, its
message indirectly influences the formation of individual perceptions of the message the film wants
to convey. The reality of violence reflected in cinema serves as a reflection of society and a tool to
influence public perception and understanding. When a film raises the theme of domestic violence,
it not only depicts reality but also has the potential to change the audience's perspective on this
issue.
Turner in Sobur (2016) stated that films reflect not only reality but are more of a
representation or depiction of reality. Films play a role in shaping and 're-presenting' reality by
referring to codes, conventions, and ideologies associated with a particular culture. The latest
research by Asri (2020) in his writing, namely "Reading Films as a Text: Content Analysis of the Film
'Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini (NKCTHI)'" shows that films reflect the reality that is developing
in society and display it on the screen. Because of this reality, films can be made to fit the audience's
feelings. As a result, the audience feels close to the scenes, intentions, goals, and messages conveyed
in the film, both while watching and after. One aspect that reflects the reality that is developing in
society is violence. The reason why violence is developing in society is because society itself
considers violence to be something beautiful and can create a pleasant sensation. This kind of
depiction of violence can be identified in popular films (Nabila & Sugandi, 2020).
Violence itself is a term used to describe the act of using physical force or power, either
through threats or actual actions, against oneself, another individual, or a group of people, which
can cause physical injury, trauma, death, psychological harm, developmental disorders, or violations
of their rights (Ariani & Asih, 2022). Based on data recorded in the Online Information System for
the Protection of Women and Children (Simfoni PPA), from January to June 2024, there were 7,842
cases of violence against children in Indonesia. Of that number, 5,552 victims were girls, while 1,930
victims were boys (Law and Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and
Child Protection, 2024). These data show that girls are the more dominant victims in cases of
violence against children. Various acts of violence occur in society, including in the family sphere.
This is often called domestic violence (KDRT). In line with the definition of violence explained
previously, domestic violence (DV) refers to all criminal acts that are often experienced by women
in the household environment, which can cause physical, psychological, sexual, and psychological
suffering. It also includes threats, coercion, and other unlawful acts in the household (Idham et al.,
2020).
With such a vital role of film in shaping mass culture, it is crucial for films that raise the theme
of domestic violence to pay attention to the way they are depicted and their impact on the audience.
This influence is not only limited to entertainment but also includes aspects of education and social
awareness. The use of media, including films, can influence public perception and understanding of
domestic violence. Films are often used to convey messages and social values, including issues
related to domestic violence. The presence of domestic violence in films can play an essential role in
shaping public perception and attitudes towards the problem. This is in line with the opinion
expressed by McQuail (1992) that films have an essential role in shaping mass culture. Meanwhile,
Pratista (in Prasetya & Rahman, 2020), as quoted in Cahyani and Aprilia (2022), also said that film is
a type of mass communication media that is effective in conveying messages to the public.