VISUAL: KAZI TAHSIN AGAZ APURBO

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2024 survey on violence against women presents a sobering reality of the extent of abuse faced by women across the country.

The survey reveals that a significant proportion of Bangladeshi women have been subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV), with 54 percent of women reporting physical and/or sexual abuse by their husbands at some point in their lives. IPV remains a dominant form of abuse (76 percent), with the survey showing that 70 percent of women have encountered some form of violence during their lifetimes.

In the past year alone, 41 percent of women reported being victims of abuse by their intimate partner, a significant figure when compared to the 73 percent lifetime prevalence reported in the 2015 survey. The data also highlights that over 76 percent of women across the country experience IPV during their lifetime.

This represents a distressingly high incidence of domestic abuse, with the figures reflecting both the persistence and the normalisation of such violence in many households.

Among the divisions, Barishal and Khulna report the highest IPV rates at 81.5 percent, while Sylhet has the lowest at 72.1 percent. The capital shows an IPV rate of 72.9 percent, with other regions such as Chattogram and Mymensingh also reporting alarming figures.

In fact, the percentage is above 70 in every division.

Such prevalence of IPV despite regional variation suggests that IPV is not limited to any specific area but is a widespread issue that affects women regardless of their location.

Controlling behaviours and emotional abuse were identified as the most common forms of IPV, pointing to the significant psychological toll that this violence takes on women. The fact that many women suffer in silence—64 percent of victims never sharing their experiences with anyone—further underlines the deeply ingrained social stigmas surrounding domestic abuse. Many women fear that speaking out will damage their family’s reputation, put their children’s wellbeing at risk, or that violence is simply seen as “a part of married life”.

The findings of this survey are a wake-up call for the government and society as a whole. While much progress has been made in raising awareness about gender-based violence, there is still much more to be done.

Media reports over the past year have highlighted the devastating impact of IPV on women in Bangladesh. One recent incident involved a woman in Chattogram who was severely beaten by her husband, leading to her hospitalisation. Another case from Dhaka saw a woman attacked by her spouse after a domestic dispute over dowry. These incidents highlight the urgency of addressing the root causes of IPV, which are often deeply rooted in patriarchal attitudes and a culture of impunity for perpetrators.

When domestic violence leads to marital rape

Marital rape—a concept that South Asian populations often struggle to grasp due to deeply entrenched patriarchal norms—is another horrifying extension of domestic violence. In many communities, the notion that a husband can rape his wife is incomprehensible because it challenges the assumption that men have an inherent entitlement to sexual access within marriage. Society often questions, “He is her husband, how can it be rape?”—failing to understand the fundamental principle of “consent.”

Domestic violence poses significant physical, emotional, and psychological dangers to victims, often creating an environment of fear and helplessness. In many cases, the abusive behaviours escalate over time, leading to a cycle of control and manipulation that leaves the victim feeling trapped and powerless. The constant threat of violence can have long-lasting effects, including trauma, depression, and anxiety. In extreme cases, domestic violence can extend to marital rape, where an abuser forces sexual intercourse upon their partner without consent. Because it occurs within the supposed “safety of a relationship,” victims may feel even more isolated and reluctant to speak out.

What about the child brides?

Additionally, child marriage remains a significant and disturbing issue in Bangladesh, despite efforts to reduce its prevalence. According to various reports, around 29 percent of girls in Bangladesh are married before the age of 18, which is among the highest rates in the world. In some rural areas, the numbers can be even higher and the age can be as young as 10.

This cultural practice is often driven by socio-economic factors, traditional norms, and sometimes the desire to protect young girls from potential harm or to relieve financial burdens. However, child marriage exposes girls to a range of dangers, particularly in the form of domestic violence and marital rape, which, in this case, is child rape.

According to child psychologists, child brides, due to their age, may lack the emotional maturity and resources to navigate marital relationships and may not have the knowledge or power to resist abuse. This power imbalance in such marriages, with older husbands often exerting control over their much younger wives, further increases the risk of domestic violence.

Furthermore, child brides are less likely to even understand their rights and seek help, as they are often isolated from family and friends and have limited access to support systems. Early marriage almost always leads to early childbearing, which carries its own health risks and adds to the emotional and physical strain on young girls. This then makes them even more vulnerable to continued abuse.

In light of the survey findings, the way forward must include stronger legal protections for women and especially female children, increased support for victims, and a more proactive approach to prevention.

The 2024 BBS survey is not just a snapshot of the current situation; it is a call to action for the government, civil society, and international partners to work together to create a safer, more equitable society for women in Bangladesh.

It is time for us to finally accept that sex education is imperative for our society to not just thrive but to survive.