201 Domestic violence against women in hard to reach districts: a cross-sectional study

Background In Bangladesh, violence stands at sixth position at grade C among ten selected countries. More than half of women have encountered physical and sexual abuse at least once during their lives. Objective This study explores perception and practices on Gender Based Violence (GBV) among women in hard-to-reach districts in Bangladesh. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in three hard-to-reach districts during October to December 2019. Data was collected at randomly selected 1,200 household from women of 15 - 49 years. The data collection was performed through face to face interview at household level. Data analysis was performed descriptively. Results About 60% women can't go outside of house premises without permission of household heads. About 58% women can't go to market, 45% can't buy clothes with their choice. About 47% women who had income, depended on decision of husband for expenses. During illness only 15.8% women can decide themselves for receiving treatment. 82% of the respondents had idea about violence and 44.7% respondents faced violence. Among them 91% faced physical abuse and 9% with mental tortures. About 87% faced violence within last three days. The cause of violence included poverty (62.6%), argument with husband (13.3%), and going out without permission (9.1%), ignoring children (8.4%) and others (6.6%). Conclusion Women in hard to reach areas faced violence due to economic and social constraints. Context-based policy on GBV needs to be in place and implemented by government and non-government agencies.