BETRAYAL TRAUMA DAN CRIME OF PASSION: PERSEKTIF PSIKOLOGI PEREMPUAN, HUKUM, DAN PENDIDIKAN MORAL DI INDONESIA

Abstract

This study examines an extreme case of domestic violence that occurred in Palembang in 2024, in which a wife amputated her husband’s genitalia in response to betrayal involving infidelity and a secret marriage. The study emphasizes psychological, legal, and moral education perspectives, focusing on the phenomena of betrayal trauma and crime of passion. The method employed is a qualitative descriptive case study, utilizing data from court archives, national and local media reports, and relevant literature on forensic psychology, criminal law, and moral education. The analysis indicates that the violent act represented an expression of emotional outburst due to deep psychological trauma and temporary cognitive distortion (amygdala hijack). From a legal perspective, the act is categorized as severe violence; however, the emotional motive was considered a mitigating factor in sentencing. The moral education review highlights the importance of equipping women with skills in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and self-identity empowerment to prevent similar acts of violence. This study contributes to a multidisciplinary understanding of the relationship between psychological trauma, emotion-driven criminal behavior, and the role of moral education within the socio-cultural context of Indonesia.