A recent study by CARE Bangladesh has revealed that 89% of women in Bangladesh are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), a figure that has increased by 9% from 2015 to 2024.
The findings were shared at an in-house workshop titled ‘Workshop on GBV in Bangladesh: Sharing Preliminary Findings and Shaping Future Directions’, held on Thursday.
The study was conducted in collaboration with JAAGO Foundation and icddr,b.
The study, aimed at measuring the national prevalence of IPV, is significant as it updates the last Violence Against Women (VAW) survey, conducted nearly a decade ago in 2015.
The research surveyed 1,715 women aged 15 or older across seven divisions of Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews. Notably, 95% of participants were married, with an average age of 29.
Among the key findings, 81% of women victims of sexual violence sought help through helplines.
The study also revealed that 44% of women aged 25-34 and 37% of women aged 45-54 reported physical violence. Younger women were more likely to experience sexual violence compared to older age groups.
In comparison with the 2015 National VAW survey, the new data show a significant rise in IPV prevalence, increasing from 80% to 89%.
The awareness of government helplines for reporting violence has also seen an increase, from just 2% in 2015 to 17% in 2024, showing a growing recognition of resources available to victims.
The study emphasizes that tackling violence against women requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both systemic and societal factors.
Recommendations include expediting convictions in gender-based violence (GBV) cases to deter perpetrators and ensure timely justice for victims.
Additionally, the study calls for enhanced civic education on GBV to empower communities to identify and counteract abusive behaviors.
Improving services that prevent violence and protect victims' rights is another crucial area of focus, alongside efforts to challenge harmful cultural norms and reduce gender inequality.
Ram Das, country director of CARE Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of empowering women for achieving gender equality, quoting a Sanskrit text: “The Creator rejoices when women are respected.”
He emphasized that respecting women’s voices and dignity is essential for genuine development.
Mehrul Islam, interim deputy country director of programs at CARE Bangladesh, echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, stressing the importance of collaboration with academia, research institutions, and other stakeholders to create a more equitable and resilient society.
Following the presentation of findings, experts participated in a group discussion and plenary session to explore the challenges and strategies for preventing, mitigating, and responding to GBV.
CARE Bangladesh has been a leader in promoting gender equality for over 30 years, working with partners worldwide to address gender-based violence and other human rights abuses.
Its Vision 2030 continues to place gender equality at the heart of its efforts to end poverty and foster sustainable development.
