Find ways to end spousal violence against women

Violence by husbands against their wives in Bangladesh is nothing new; it has existed in varying degrees since ancient times. In recent years, however, it has increased manifold. A recent survey has found that three out of every four married women are subjected to violence by their husbands. In other words, 76 per cent of women in the country have faced violence at least once in their lives. This violence includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviour, according to a joint survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The findings show that 76 per cent of women in the country have experienced spousal violence at least once in their lives, and 49 per cent suffered such abuse within the past year. Two out of every three victims (62 per cent) never disclosed their experiences. The report also states that 15 per cent of women aged 15 and above have been subjected to physical violence by someone other than their spouse, and more than 2 per cent have suffered sexual violence. However, incidents of husbands’ violent behaviour have declined from 66 per cent in 2015 to 49 per cent in 2024. The survey further reveals that younger age, dowry practices, a husband’s drug addiction or extramarital affairs, and living in urban slums make women more likely to experience violence by their husbands. Higher education among men reduces the risk of such behaviour. Women who are younger, less educated or living with disabilities are more likely to be subjected to violence by men who are not their partners.

The situation is truly alarming and deeply worrying. It shows that women’s rights and human dignity have yet to be established in our society and the state. But it is equally essential to investigate why such inhuman behaviour occurs. Without identifying the causes, finding solutions will be impossible. In recent times, many such incidents have also surfaced on social media. Many helpless women, in sheer despair, are sharing the distress of their married lives online. Others cannot even do that—suffering silently in private. Many women never speak out about the abuse they endure from their husbands. Recently, a statement from the wife of a popular religious speaker has sparked wide public reaction online. To escape domestic torture, some women are choosing separation, while others tragically end their lives.

The government must treat these issues with utmost seriousness. It goes without saying that income inequality and gender disparity are key factors behind violence against women. There is a common saying that the health of any society is measured by how equally it treats its men and women. In our country, husbands’ violent behaviour towards their wives mainly stems from ignorance, insecurity, and women’s social and economic vulnerability. These issues have been discussed and researched for years, yet effective outcomes remain elusive—something that demands reflection.

To uncover the root causes of spousal violence, the government must undertake more extensive research and adopt appropriate measures to address it. Particularly, unless child marriage is eradicated and women are made educated and self-reliant, no amount of research will make any difference. Therefore, to end violence by husbands against their wives, reducing gender inequality and ensuring economic parity should be the foremost objectives. For that, the government must take effective and practical initiatives without delay.