Rural Bangladeshi Women’s Experiences of Domestic Violence: An Exploratory Study

Journal of Social Research & Policy, Volume: 5, Issue: 2, pp. 45-68

Date: December 2014

ISSN: 2067-2640 (print), 2068-9861 (electronic)

Abstract: Although domestic violence against women is a serious social problem in Bangladesh, subjective experiences of the victims with regard to all major forms of violence are limited. This research explored rural Bangladeshi women’s experiences of domestic violence through in-depth qualitative interviews with thirty-nine victims from eight rural settings of two administrative districts, namely, Netrokona and Mymensingh. The findings of the study were analysed through the thematic analytical framework. It was found that the women in the study experienced physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and economic violence. Amongst all forms of violence, physical violence was the most prevalent. Domestic violence appeared at the study both as an isolated incident and as a combination of many forms. The intensity of violence also varied significantly: trivial to life-threatening, humiliating to very much penetrating. In-laws sometimes joined the perpetuation of violence, and sometimes violence spilled over onto others, including children. The women in the study were extremely helpless because of their subjugation to violence. It is vividly understood that the patriarchal structure and system of Bangladeshi society are closely interrelated with every aspect of this problem. Making attitudinal changes towards women might be one of the important strategic responses to eliminate domestic violence. At the same time, active efforts are needed to engage boys and men against domestic violence.

Keywords: Bangladesh; Domestic Violence against Women; Physical Violence; Sexual Violence; Psychological Violence; Emotional Violence; Economic Violence.