A survey reveals that the majority of women in Bangladesh experience intimate partner violence

Intimate Partner Violence Remains a Pressing Concern in Bangladesh, Affecting 70% of Women: Survey

A recent national survey highlights that intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a widespread issue in Bangladesh, with 70% of women experiencing some form of IPV in their lifetime, based on UN standards.

The 2024 Violence Against Women (VAW) Survey, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), provides critical insights into the prevalence and impact of violence against women across the country.

According to the findings, IPV—including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, along with controlling behaviors—affects millions of women. The survey reveals that 41% of women have endured IPV in the past year. When considering violence relevant to Bangladesh’s specific context, the numbers are even higher, with 76% of women reporting lifetime IPV and 49% experiencing it in the last 12 months.

This presents a significant public health challenge, as IPV remains more common than violence perpetrated by non-partners. Notably, 54% of women have suffered physical or sexual violence from their husbands over their lifetime, with 16% experiencing such violence in the past year. The study also identifies emotional abuse and controlling behaviors as the most prevalent forms of violence, underscoring the psychological toll on women in Bangladesh.

The survey further reveals an alarming pattern: women are three times more likely to suffer physical violence and over 14 times more likely to experience sexual violence from their husbands than from any other person. These findings highlight the heightened risks women face within marital relationships, making IPV a greater threat than violence from non-partners.

Additionally, the study indicates regional disparities in IPV prevalence, with women in disaster-prone areas facing higher rates of abuse compared to those in non-disaster-prone regions. It also underscores a culture of silence, with 64% of IPV survivors choosing not to disclose their experiences, often due to concerns over family reputation, children's well-being, or societal norms that normalize such violence.

The survey results were shared at a dissemination event attended by key government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives. Prominent attendees included Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Mamtaz Ahmed, senior secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; and Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative Ad Interim, among others.

In response to the findings, the Government of Bangladesh and UNFPA reaffirmed their commitment to combating violence against women through evidence-based policies, legal reforms, enhanced response services, and strengthened prevention efforts.

“The Violence Against Women Survey is essential for understanding the extent of gender-based violence in the country,” stated Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of BBS. “By capturing the experiences of women aged 15 and above, this survey provides crucial data to shape policies and interventions aimed at eradicating violence against women.”

This survey plays a key role in tracking Bangladesh’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and ending violence against women. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, emphasized that the survey’s findings will help guide national strategies to protect women and promote gender equality.

With technical support from UNFPA, BBS ensured the methodological rigor of the study and trained national experts in data collection and analysis. Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative Ad Interim, stressed the need to translate these insights into concrete strategies to combat violence and ensure that every woman and girl in Bangladesh can live free from fear.

The full report, including a detailed analysis and policy recommendations, is expected to be released in May 2025.