Behind Closed Doors: A Comprehensive Review of Patterns and Perspectives on Domestic Violence in Bangladesh
Abstract
Domestic violence persists as a widespread and rooted problem in Bangladesh, affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole. This research analyzes the patterns, viewpoints, and ramifications of domestic abuse through secondary data sources, such as government reports, NGO publications, academic papers, and news coverage. It indicates that domestic abuse occurs in multiple forms—physical, emotional, economic, and sexual—frequently supported by deep-rooted patriarchal standards and cultural endorsement. Women, especially those from underprivileged socioeconomic origins, have the most significant psychological, physical, and economic consequences.
The results underscore the normalization of abuse stemming from cultural and religious misinterpretations, the stigma associated with victims, and insufficient institutional responses. Notwithstanding the enactment of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, obstacles such as insufficient awareness, inadequate enforcement, and a dearth of accessible support resources persistently impede advancement. The research also delineates the extensive effects of domestic violence on health, productivity, and intergenerational patterns of abuse.
The paper provides practical solutions, such as fortifying legal frameworks, improving victim support networks, advancing education and awareness, and economically empowering women. Moreover, community involvement, enhanced data acquisition, and cooperation with global organizations are highlighted as essential measures to address this situation.
Using a comprehensive strategy, Bangladesh can diminish the incidence of domestic violence, enhance gender equality, and increase societal welfare. This study emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts to eradicate domestic violence and establish a safer, more equitable future for everyone
References
2. Ali, R., Chowdhury, S., & Rahman, T. (2020). Marginalized groups and domestic violence in Bangladesh. Journal of Social Studies, 15(2), 89-105.
3. Amin, S., Mahmud, S., & Wahid, R. (2018). Gender dynamics in the Bangladeshi household. Gender & Development, 26(1), 45-62.
4. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). (2022). Violence against Women Survey 2022. Dhaka: BBS.
5. Childress, S., Shrestha, N., Kenensarieva, K., Urbaeva, J., & Schrag, R. V. (2023). The role of culture in the justification and perpetuation of domestic violence: The perspectives of service providers in Kyrgyzstan. Violence Against Women, 30(5), 1198–1225. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012231186814
6. Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010. Government of Bangladesh.
7. Doroudchi, A., Zarenezhad, M., Hosseininezhad, H., Malekpour, A., Ehsaei, Z., Kaboodkhani, R., & Valiei, M. (2023). Psychological complications of the children exposed to domestic violence: a systematic review. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00343-4
8. Greene, C. A., Haisley, L., Wallace, C., & Ford, J. D. (2020). Intergenerational effects of childhood maltreatment: A systematic review of the parenting practices of adult survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, and violence. Clinical Psychology Review, 80, 101891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101891
9. Halima et al.,(2022, July 1). Effects of Media Advertisement Representation of Womens’ Body Image on Violence against Women in Bangladesh. RSIS International. https://rsisinternational.org/virtual-library/papers/effects-of-media-advertisement-representation-of-womens-body-image-on-violence-against-women-in-bangladesh/
10. Halim, A., & Kabir, H. (2020). Gender inequality and domestic violence: A Bangladeshi perspective. Asian Journal of Sociology, 7(3), 112-130.
11. Huda, S. (2019). Implementation gaps in domestic violence laws in Bangladesh. Legal Perspectives, 10(4), 221-239.
12. Intesar, A., & Parvez, M. S. (2024). Living with vulnerability: Triple burden through the eyes of urban slum women in Bangladesh. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101014
13. Johnson, L., Chen, Y., Stylianou, A., & Arnold, A. (2022). Examining the impact of economic abuse on survivors of intimate partner violence: a scoping review. BMC Public Health, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13297-4
14. Karakurt, G., Smith, D., & Whiting, J. (2014). Impact of intimate partner violence on women’s mental health. Journal of Family Violence, 29(7), 693–702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9633-2
15. Khan, N., Yasmin, T., & Rahman, M. (2019). Socioeconomic impacts of domestic violence. Development Studies Quarterly, 14(2), 57-78.
16. Khatun, M. A., Parvez, M. S., & Rashid, M. A. (2020). The impact and trend analysis of domestic violence against women in Umedpur Union: A sociological investigation. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 4(9), 252–260.
17. Lwamba, E., Shisler, S., Ridlehoover, W., Kupfer, M., Tshabalala, N., Nduku, P., Langer, L., Grant, S., Sonnenfeld, A., Anda, D., Eyers, J., & Snilstveit, B. (2022). Strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.121
18. Parvez, M. S., Al-Mamun, M., Rahaman, M. A., Akter, S., Fatema, K., Sadia, H., & Intesar, A. (2022). COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A systematic review of the literature from march 2020 to march 2021. Journal of Global Business Insights, 8(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5038/2640-6489.8.1.1186
19. Rahman, M., Haque, M., & Islam, S. (2021). Revisiting the Domestic Violence Act in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Law Review, 20(3), 34-50.
20. Rahman, F., & Sakib, A. B. M. N. (2023). The Normalization of Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: Analysing through the Lens of Social Learning Theory. Social Science Review, 39(1), 141–164. https://doi.org/10.3329/ssr.v39i1.64917
21. Sadia, H., Jibon, M. a. S., & Parvez, M. S. (2022). Effects of Media Advertisement Representation of Womens’ Body Image on Violence against Women in Bangladesh. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 06(06), 165–172. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2022.6606
22. Slabbert, I. (2016). Domestic violence and poverty. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(2), 223–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731516662321
23. UNICEF. (2021). The hidden impact of domestic violence on children in Bangladesh. Dhaka: UNICEF.
24. Sultan, M., & Mahpara, P. (2023b). Backlash in action? or inaction? Stalled implementation of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 in Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.19088/ids.2023.030
25. UN Women. (2020). COVID-19 and domestic violence in South Asia. Bangkok: UN Women.
26. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Violence against women: A global perspective. Geneva: WHO.
27. National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT). (2020). Health and gender-based violence survey. Dhaka: NIPORT.
28. Hossain, M., &Sarker, T. (2020). Domestic violence trends during COVID-19. Journal of Public Health, 8(3), 203-211.
29. Ahmed, N., & Khatun, S. (2019). Women's rights and domestic violence in Bangladesh. Asian Human Rights Journal, 6(1), 11-25.
30. Islam, T., & Parveen, Z. (2020). Social norms and domestic violence: Case studies from rural Bangladesh. Development Sociology, 12(2), 102-119.
31. UNFPA. (2021). Combating gender-based violence in Bangladesh. Dhaka: UNFPA.
32. Bhuiyan, R., & Begum, L. (2022). Legal frameworks and gaps in domestic violence prevention. Law and Justice Quarterly, 19(1), 55-72.
33. Rahman, F., & Hasan, M. (2021). Psychological effects of domestic violence on women. Journal of Mental Health Studies, 10(3), 144-160.
34. Akter, S., & Karim, R. (2021). Economic dimensions of domestic violence in Bangladesh. South Asian Economic Review, 5(4), 88-99.
35. Jahan, F., & Rahim, A. (2020). The role of NGOs in addressing domestic violence. Nonprofit Studies Quarterly, 7(1), 31-47.
36. UNDP. (2020). Gender equality and domestic violence in Bangladesh. Dhaka: UNDP.
37. Sultana, R., & Rahman, S. (2021). Structural barriers to justice for victims of domestic violence. Bangladesh Law Journal, 15(2), 76-91.
38. Save the Children. (2020). Impact of domestic violence on children’s education. Dhaka: Save the Children.
39. World Bank. (2019). Gender-based violence and economic empowerment in South Asia. Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
Authors
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.