Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a critical issue in Bangladesh, with a recent national survey revealing that 70% of women have experienced some form of IPV in their lifetime.
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 alarming insights into the prevalence and impact of violence on women in the country.
According to the survey, IPV—which includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence, as well as controlling behaviors—continues to affect millions of women. A staggering 41% of women reported experiencing IPV in the past year. The figures are even higher when considering violence relevant to Bangladesh’s national context, with 76% reporting lifetime IPV and 49% experiencing it in the last 12 months.
This marks a significant public health concern, as intimate partner violence remains more prevalent than non-partner violence. In fact, 54% of women have faced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their husbands over their lifetime, with 16% suffering such violence in the past year. Emotional and controlling behaviors were found to be the most widespread forms of abuse, suggesting that psychological violence is a major factor contributing to the suffering of women in Bangladesh.
The survey further reveals a deeply concerning trend: women are three times more likely to face physical violence and over 14 times more likely to experience sexual violence from their husbands than from anyone else. This highlights the overwhelming risks that women face within marital relationships, making IPV a more significant threat than violence from non-partners.
The 2024 survey also identified disparities in vulnerability, with women living in disaster-prone areas facing higher rates of IPV compared to those in non-disaster-prone regions. The report underscores that women in these areas are more susceptible to both lifetime IPV and abuse in the past 12 months.
Despite the widespread prevalence of IPV, the survey also points to a culture of silence among survivors. An alarming 64% of women who experienced IPV did not disclose their experiences to anyone. This silence is attributed to various factors, including fears about family reputation, concerns for children’s well-being, and a societal perception that such violence is a normal part of life.
The findings were shared at a dissemination event attended by key government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives. Notable attendees included Sharmeen S Murshid, Advisor for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. UNFPA Representative a.i., Masaki Watabe, and other distinguished guests also participated in the event.
The government of Bangladesh and UNFPA reaffirmed their commitment to addressing violence against women through evidence-based policies, national planning, and multisectoral collaboration. They emphasized the need to translate the survey findings into legal and policy reforms, strengthen response services, and scale up prevention efforts.
“The Violence Against Women Survey is critical in understanding the extent of violence against women in the country,” said Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of BBS. “By capturing the experiences of women aged 15 and above, this survey provides essential data to guide policies and interventions aimed at eradicating violence against women.”
This survey is part of Bangladesh’s broader efforts to track progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and end violence against women. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, emphasized that the data from this survey will play a crucial role in guiding national efforts to end violence against women and ensure gender equity in the country.
In partnership with BBS, UNFPA played a key role in ensuring the rigor of the survey methodology, providing technical support, and training national experts. Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative a.i., stressed the importance of using the survey’s findings to develop strategies to combat violence and ensure that every woman and girl in Bangladesh can live free from fear.
The full report, which includes detailed analysis and policy recommendations, is expected to be released in May 2025. The survey’s findings will serve as a vital tool for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to eliminate violence against women in Bangladesh and improve the safety and well-being of women across the country.