Two of every three women, around 66 per cent, suffer domestic violence and 72.7 per cent of them never disclose their experience to others in Bangladesh.
A joint research conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh and Jatiyo Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Forum (JNNPF) titled "Spotlight on violence Against Women in Bangladesh: Trends and Solution" revealed the information.
Centre for Genocide Studies of Dhaka University (DU) and ActionAid Bangladesh on Thursday jointly organised a seminar titled "Violence and Resilience" to publish the outcome of the research at the special conference Room of Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury senate Bhaban of DU.
ActionAid Bangladesh consultant Ahmed Ibrahim presented the result of the research.
According to the research, most of the women in Bangladesh still suffer from chronic abuse, torture and violence in their home. Despite high rates of partner violence, most women don't want to disclose their experience to others.
Only 2.1 per cent women inform it to local leaders while only 1.1 per cent women seek help from police. Four out of every five cases related to violence against women (VAW) are brought before court, according to the study.
"But there is only 3.1 per cent chance that the court will rule in favour of the survivor. On the other hand, there is 32 per cent chance that the court will dismiss the case and release the perpetrator," it said.
The research identified 1773 domestic violence cases and found that the majority of these cases were dowry related disputes. It was also found that there are no laws that can provide direct protection against any form of violence other than dowry demands after marriage, UNB reported.
Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of DU International Relations and director of Centre for Genocide Studies said, "We have a stereotype belief that women are safest at home. But this is not the real situation because most of the gender-based violence in Bangladesh are occurring at home."
"We must create public awareness especially among the male to protest these gender-based violence against women and ensure a bright future to all," he added.
Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, AM Nasir Uddin, Manager-Disaster Risk Reduction of ActionAid Bangladesh, Taslima Yasmin, Assistant Professor of DU law department and Tasnuva Ahmed, Head of Operations of Colours FM, among others, addressed the seminar.
