A Research Monograph On Quot Women Rights Domestic Violence Against Women In

A Research Monograph
On
“Women Rights: Domestic Violence Against Women in
Bangladesh.”
Submitted to:
Department of peace and conflict studies.
University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000.
Submitted by:
Exam roll- 4512
Registration no:-2011-814-553
6th
batch, 8th
semester, examination 2015.
Department of peace and conflict studies.
University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000
“Research monograph submitted as a requirement of the partial fulfillment of the
BSS honors degree under the department of peace and conflict studies, university
of Dhaka.”
Date of submission:- December 6, 2015.
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Acknowledgment
At first and foremost I would like to thank the almighty Allah who created and
gave me the opportunity to be educated and to be the student of the University of
Dhaka.
Then, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our honorable teacher,
assistant professor Saifuddin Ahmed, who accepted my proposal on “Women
Rights: Domestic Violence Against Women in Bangladesh.”
My supervisor who suggested me how can I complete a good research. Without
his kind support, supervision and guidance this paper would have been a dream.
Then, I would like to express my gratitude to all of my teachers of the department
of peace and conflict studies, university of Dhaka. Specially gratitude to our
honorable chairman Dr. Zahid-ul-Arefin Chowdhury, who have taken all of our
research related courses.
A lot of thanks for my roommate, Md. Tanvir Ahmed Kalince, who gave the
opportunity to use his desktop for a long term; about three months.
Then, I would like to thanks my some friends. Also thanks to our department’s
librarian (Shelpee Rani), who give me any resource with a smiley face. And also
thanks to the authority of the University of Dhaka, who provide a lot of resource
for us.
Then, I would like to thanks the women who help me by giving information that
was so mush helpful for my study.
Finally, I would like to thank my family who gave financial support to complete
my study and this paper.
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Abstract
Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world and its estimated
prevalence rate of violence against women is extremely high which in turn, is an
obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace. Due to a lack of
reliable base-line surveys, the exact number of women affected by violence is
unknown.
However, non-governmental organization (NGO) reports indicate that Bangladesh
has one of the highest rate globally despite advancements of Women`s Rights and
a strong history of women’s movements.
Deeply embedded in cultural and socio-economic practices, violence against
women is sanctioned by both society and the state, in the name of culture,
tradition and religion.
Recognizing violence against women as a violation of Human Rights is a
significant turning point in the struggle to end violence against women globally. A
human rights perspective broadens the definition of violence against women and
focuses attention on discrimination and inequalities that are maintained or
tolerated by the state and that increase women`s vulnerability to violence.
Violence against women has been recognized as a Human Rights issue since the
1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, which established that
“human rights of women and of the girl-child are an inalienable, integral and
indivisible part.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………….…..………..II
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………..….……III
CHAPTER NO. AND TITLE PAGE NO.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (1-3)
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY……………………………………………..1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ............................................................... …1
1.3 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY .................................................................... …2
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY............................................................................. …2
1.5 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY...................................................................... …2
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS........................................................................... …2
1.7 METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... …3
1.8 LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................... …3
CHAPTER TWO
MATERIALS AND METHODS (4-7)
2.1 VIOLENCE ............................................................................................. ...4
2.2 FORMS OF VIOLENCE.............................................................................. …4
2.3 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN .................................................................. …4
2.4 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE............................................................................. …4
2.5 FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE............................................................. …5
2.5.1 EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE ............................................ …5
2.5.2 PHYSICAL ABUSE ................................................................................ …5
2.5.3 SEXUAL ABUSE ................................................................................... 5
2.5.4 ECONOMIC OR FINANCIAL ABUSE........................................................ 5
2.5.5 HONOUR BASED VIOLENCE ................................................................. 6
2.5.6 FORCED MARRIAGE ............................................................................ 6
2.5.7 FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION .......................................................... 6
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2.5.8 ELDER ABUSE ..................................................................................... 7
2.5.9 TEEN DATING ABUSE .......................................................................... 7
2.5.10 DOMESTIC ABUSE DURING PREGNANCY ............................................ 7
2.5.11 STALKING......................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER THREE
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK (8-14)
3.1 UNHR .................................................................................................... 8
3.2 CEDAW .................................................................................................. 9
3.3 NATIONAL LEVEL: BANGLADESH .......................................................... 11
3.3.1 CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES ......................................................... 11
3.3,2 LEGISLATIVE MEASURES..................................................................... 11
3.4 THEORIES OF VIOLENCE ........................................................................ 12
3.4.1 PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES ............................................................... 12
3.4.2 OTHER THEORIES ............................................................................... 13
CHAPTER FOUR
LITERATURE REVIEW (15-27)
4.1 REASONS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ...................................................... 15
4.1.1 FACTORS THAT SUSTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ……………………….16
4.2 CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE .............................................. 17
4.3 COST OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE .............................................................. 19
4.4 FEMINISM AND VIOLENCE: HISTORICAL CONNECTION ........................... 20
4.5 PRACTICAL SCENARIO OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN BANGLADESH .......... 21
4.6 NATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND PROTECTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.......24
4.6.1 CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE……………………………………….24
4.6.2 NARI O SHISHU NIRJATON DAMON AIN 2003………………………….….25
4.6.3 THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2010……………………………….……25
4.7 ROLE OF MEDIA AND NGO’S .................................................................. ….26
4.9INTERVENTIONS FOR WOMEN ................................................................. ….27
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CHAPTER FIVE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (28-31)
5.1 RESEARCH APPROACH ........................................................................... ….28
5.2 METHODS IN SOCIAL RESEARCH ............................................................ ….29
5.2.1 CONTENT ANALYSIS .......................................................................... …..29
5.2.2 DESCRIPTIVE METHOD ........................................................................ ….29
5.2.3 SURVEY METHOD…………………………………………………..……29
5.2.4 HISTORICAL METHODS........................................................................ ……29
5.2.5 THE CASE STUDY METHOD .................................................................. …..29
5.2.6 DISCOURSE ANALYSIS ........................................................................ …..30
5.2.7 SCENARIO BUILDING .......................................................................... …..30
5.3 SOURCES OF DATA ANALYSIS……………………………………………....31
CHAPTER SIX
ANALYSIS OF THE CASE (32-35)
6.1 VIOLENCE ............................................................................................ ……32
6.2 TYPES OF VIOLENCE............................................................................... ……32
6.3 LIFE OF WOMEN IN TORTURE.................................................................. ……32
6.3.1 PRE- MARRIED ................................................................................... ……32
6.3.2 POST- MARRIED .................................................................................. ……34
6.4 OVERALL DISCUSSION ........................................................................... ……35
CHAPTER SEVEN
CONCLUSION (36-38)
7.1 FINDINGS .............................................................................................. ……36
7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................. ..…..37
7.3 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................... …38
6

Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study:-
Domestic violence is a common problem in our country. The vulnerability among
women due to the community sanctioned violence is the combined impact of social,
cultural, political, economic, and legal factors of the region. Domestic violence is the
willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive
behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. Violence against women
is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is
part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in
physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of
domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime.
In the last two decades, the Bangladeshi women’s movement has contributed to a
growing public awareness of violence against women and especially against domestic
violence. Women activists have mobilized and pressed for significant changes in the
concern legislation and police procedures in order to address various acts of violence.
In several international conventions, there has now been explicit acknowledgment of
the state’s responsibility for human rights violations in both the public and private
spheres.
1.2 Statement of the problem:-
Our society is suffering from many social problems at this moment rooting from
economy, culture, corruption, religion etc. However, it has also has been facing many
social problems which are kept out of our awareness until it gets as an issue. One of
the worst evil social problem is domestic violence. Bangladeshi society makes
domestic violence invisible and leaves it cocooned by feelings of guilt and
embarrassment. Domestic violence is one of the most chronically under reported
crimes. Domestic violence could take place in partnerships, including current spouses,
former spouses. There is no time frame in the episode of Violence. Some relatives and
neighbor also responsible for this types of violence.
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1.3 Rational of the study:-
The reasons for selecting violence against women as an issue to investigate in the
study were manifold. Social practice in our country undermines women’s basic
human right to a life or dignity, worth and equality. It promotes inequality between
men and women, by creating a dominant and subordinate order between the sexes and
it thus breaches the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW). In the face of actual or threatened violence, women
cannot develop to their full human potential or participate in the economic, social,
cultural, civil and political arenas on equal terms with men.
1.4 Scope of the study:-
The wider socio cultural and structural factors leading to domestic violence in the
family is emphasized as such domestic violence is regarded here mainly as a social
problem and hence amenable to intervention through organized social action and got
importance as the subject of study.
1.5 Objectives of the study:-
Every research have some specific objectives. My research also has some objectives
behind doing it.
To be precise, the Research Paper tries to find information on the over-all national
situation regarding the dimensions, frequency, type of such incidents, to describe the
current measures, intended to protect victims of violence, emphasizing the response of
law enforcement agencies and legal system to violence, to suggest alternate strategies
for reduction of domestic violence.
Finally, it suggests some more ways in addition to existing support to protect the
women from the exposure of domestic violence in the light of practical experience.
1.6Research Questions:-
a) What is the real picture of domestic violence?
b) What are the causes of domestic violence?
c) What are the types of domestic violence?
d) How to relate between domestic violence and life struggle of women?
e) What are the impacts of this violence on the life of women?
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f) What are the necessary steps should take to solve this problem?
1.7 Methodology:-
There have two type approaches of data collection in research methodology:-
Quantitative
Qualitative.
Quantitative approach basically includes survey method.
Qualitative approach includes- content analysis, descriptive method, observation,
historical method, the case study. Etc. Case study and survey method may be both
qualitative and quantitative.
But I will follow the qualitative approach and case study method to conduct my study.
Because this method will be easy to collect my data.
1.7.1 Source of Data: I will use two types of data- primary and secondary data.
1.7.2 Area of the study: I will take a case form my birth place, (Vil- Harni, Po-
Ulania, Mehendiganj, Barisal).
1.8 Limitations of the Research:-
The main limitation of this paper is its extensive dependency on secondary data. Such
as Books, Articles, journal and news reports. Further, unavailability of data with
regard to practical scenario in relation to the research issue may also be termed as
another limitation. Basically there have many data. But we cannot say that this is
accurate or 100 per cent authentic. Because, in our society, women cannot express
their word to the authority.
There have another problem of time limitation and budget. Actually it’s so much
difficult to complete a research accurately within 2-3 months, with limited budget.
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Chapter Two
Conceptual Framework of Domestic Violence
2.1 Violence:-
Violence is "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual,
against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results
in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal
development, or deprivation." [1]
2.2 Forms of Violence:-
This Research Paper is an attempt to discuss some of the major dimensions of
violence against women in Bangladesh. Different types of violence against women
take place quite frequently in Bangladesh such as domestic violence, acid violence,
rape, gang rape, murder, forced prostitution, “Eve-teasing” etc. Violence against
women in the family occurs in developed and developing countries alike. It has long
been considered a private matter by bystanders, including neighbors, the community
and government. [2]
2.3 Violence Against Women:-
The UN Declaration on the Elimination of violence against women (1993) defines
violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is
likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm of suffering to women,
including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether
occurring in public or in private live. [3]
2.4 Domestic Violence:-
Domestic violence occurs when one person tries to coerce or control another person in
a family-like or domestic relationship. Domestic violence involves an abuse of power
and can take the form of physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological
abuse, verbal abuse, stalking and intimidation, social and geographic isolation,
10

financial abuse, cruelty to pets, or damage to property or threats to be violent in these
ways. In the majority of cases, domestic violence is perpetrated by men against
women. [4]
Domestic violence means all of acts of physical , sexual , psychological, or economic
violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or between former or current
spouse or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same
residence with the victim. [5]
2.5 Forms of Domestic Violence:-
There are different types of domestic abuse, including emotional, psychological,
physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Many abusers behave in ways that include more
than one type of domestic violence, and the boundaries between some of these
behaviors are often quite blurred. [6]
2.5.1 Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse can be verbal or nonverbal. This is most important
type of violence against women. Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as
yelling, name-calling, blaming and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, threats of
violence and controlling behavior. [7]
2.5.2 Physical Abuse
There are a broad range of behaviors that come under the heading of physical abuse
including actions such as punching; slapping; hitting; biting; pinching; kicking;
pulling hair out; pushing; shoving; burning and strangling. [8]
2.5.3 Sexual Abuse
Rape and sexual abuse is common in abusive relationships because a women's right to
consent is likely to be ignored. Any situation in which an individual is forced to
participate in unwanted, unsafe or degrading sexual activity is sexual abuse. In
addition, women whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are thought to be
at a higher risk of experiencing multiple and escalating assaults. [9]
2.5.4 Economic or Financial Abuse
Economic or financial abuse aims to limit a victim's ability to access help. Tactics
may include controlling the finances; withholding money; making someone
unreasonably account for money spent/petrol used; exploiting assets; withholding
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basic necessities; preventing someone from working; deliberately running up debts;
forcing someone to work against their will and sabotaging someone's job. [10]
2.5.5 Honor based violence
‘Honor' based violence (HBV) is a form of domestic abuse which is perpetrated in the
name of so called ‘honor'. HBV may include a woman having a boyfriend; rejecting a
forced marriage; interfaith relationships; seeking divorce, inappropriate dress or
make-up and even kissing in a public place.
HBV can exist in any culture or community where males are in position to establish
and enforce women's conduct, examples include: South Asian; Turkish; Kurdish;
Afghani; African; Middle Eastern; South and Eastern European; India; Pakistan Etc.
but not at extreme level in Bangladesh. [11]
2.5.6 Early and Forced Marriage
This is a great problem for our society. In Bangladesh early marriage means the
marriage before 18 for women, and 21 for men.
A forced marriage is a marriage that is performed under duress and without the full
and informed consent or free will of both parties. Victims of forced marriage may be
the subject of physical violence, rape, abduction, false imprisonment, enslavement,
emotional abuse, and murder. It is important not to confuse ‘forced' marriage with
‘arranged' marriage. In the instance of an ‘arranged' marriage both parties freely
consent. [12]
2.5.7 Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), sometimes referred to as female circumcision,
involves females, usually under the age of 16, undergoing procedures wrongly
believed to ensure their chastity and marital fidelity. Health professionals are often
best placed to identify women who have experienced FGM.
The procedure can range from impairment to complete removal of the labia and
clitoris. This is often done without the young women's consent, anesthetic or with
regard for infection. It is estimated that every year two million women will undergo
genital mutilation. [13]
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2.5.8 Elder Abuse
Domestic abuse can include elder abuse. This is where harm is done, or distress
caused, to an older person within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.
Most victims of elder abuse are older women with a chronic illness or disability.
Again, the most typical abusers are partners, adult children, or family members. [14]
2.5.9 Teen ‘dating’ abuse
Domestic abuse is not limited to adults; there is an increasing awareness of domestic
violence within teen relationships. Teenage girls have been assaulted by a boyfriend.
Young women are more likely to experience sexual violence then other age groups.
Young women with older partners are at increased risk of victimization. [15]
2.5.10 Domestic abuse during pregnancy
Domestic abuse during pregnancy is a major public health concern with serious
consequences for maternal and infant health. Where abuse occurs during pregnancy,
injury to the abdomen, breasts and genitals are common. It follows that domestic
abuse is a factor in a significant proportion of maternal and perinatal mortality and
morbidity. Commonly violence during pregnancy can cause placental separation, fetal
fractures, antepartum hemorrhage, rupture of the uterus and pre-term labor. Abuse can
also indirectly impact upon the health of a woman and her baby through poor diet and
restricted access to antenatal care. [16]
2.5.11 Stalking
While stalking may be perpetrated by strangers or acquaintances, stalking is most
often committed against women by former or current partners. Any allegation of
stalking should be taken very seriously as it is synonymous with increased risk of
serious harm or murder. [17]
Abdur Rahman Howlader
Department of Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Dhaka
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Chapter Three
Theoretical framework
3.1 UDHR
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by
the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 at the Palais de Chaillot,
Paris. The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World
War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are
inherently entitled. [18]
There have 30 articles. All of articles are important. But our focus on some specific
articles. These are given below-
Article 1 states that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one
another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Article 2 states that, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in
this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language,
religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other
status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political,
jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person
belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other
limitation of sovereignty.’
Article 3 States that, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
Article 5 states that, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment.”
Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the
law.
Article 7. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination
to equal protection of the law.
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Article 13. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence
within the borders of each state.
Article 16. 1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are
entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
Article 17. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
Article 21. (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his
country.
Article 23. (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for
equal work.
Article 25. (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health
and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and
medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of
unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood
in circumstances beyond his control.
Article 26. (1) Everyone has the right to education
Article 27. (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the
community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
[19]
3.2 CEDAW
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,
entered into force in 1981, also does not explicitly include language on violence
against women or domestic violence but guarantees the human rights listed above. In
1992, the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW), which is the United Nations committee charged with monitoring
the Convention. This recommendation addresses the Women’s Convention’s silence
on violence and states that gender-based violence is a “form of discrimination which
seriously inhibits women’s ability to enjoy rights and freedoms on a basis of equality
with men.” This recommendation was the first time a human rights treaty or
convention was officially interpreted to prohibit violence against women. The
15

recommendation made clear that domestic violence was included. [20]
The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction,
exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of
impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective
of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and
fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other
field." [21]
The Articles are shortly given below:-
Article1 - Definition of ‘discrimination against women’
Article2- Duty of States
Article3 - Equality
Article 4 - Special measures
Article 5 - Stereotyping and cultural prejudices
Article 6 - Trafficking and prostitution
Article 7 - Political and public life
Article 8 - Participation at the international level
Article 9 – Nationality
Article 10 – Education
Article 11 – Employment
Article 12 – Health
Article 13 - Economic and social benefits
Article 14 - Rural women
Article 15 - Equality before the law
Article 16 - Marriage and family life
Articles 17 – 24
These articles describe the composition and procedures of the CEDAW
Committee, the relationship between CEDAW and national and international
legislation and the obligation of States to take all steps necessary to implement
CEDAW in full.
Articles 25 - 30 - Administration of CEDAW
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These articles describe the general administrative procedures concerning
enforcement of CEDAW, ratification and entering reservations. [22]
3.3 national level: Bangladesh:-
3.3.1 Constitutional guarantees:-
The constitution of Bangladesh guarantees certain rights and privileges to women
fundamental rights. The clauses on women rights and their basic freedom were
ensured in the constitution.
Article 27 states that, “All citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal
protection of the law”
Article 28(1) states that, “The state shall not discriminate against any citizen on
grounds only religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 28(2) states that, “Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of
the state and of public life”.
Article 28(3) states, “No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste sex, or
place of birth, be subjected to any disability, liability restriction or condition with
regard to access to any place of public entertainment or resort, or admission to any
educational institution.
Article 28(4) sates, “Nothing in this Article shall prevent the state from making
special provision in favor of women and children for the advancement of any
backward section of the population.”
Article 29(1) states, “No citizen shall, on ground of …..sex…..be ineligible for, or
discriminated against in repent of any employment or office in the service of the
Republic.” [23]
3.3.2 Legislative measures:-
To safeguard the various constitutional rights, the government has enacted various
women-specific and women-related legislation. Notable among these are:
The Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929, amended in 1984, raising the age of
marriage of a girl to 18 years from 15 years and that of a boys to 21 years and makes
offences under this Act punishable.
The Dowry Prohibition Act 1980, amended in 1982, forbidding anyone from
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demanding dowry, and punishing by fine and imprisonment.
The Suppression of Violence Against Women and Children (Amendment)
Act, 2003, has been enacted to combat the crime of violence against women.
The Acid Control Act, 2002, and the Acid Crime Control Act, 2002, have been
enacted to control the crimes relating to acid violence. [24]
3.4 Theories of violence
3.4.1 Psychological theories:-
This theory many of things. These are described in theoretical way:-
3.4.1.1 Behavioral Theories
Behavior theory maintains that all human behavior – including violent behavior – is
learned through interaction with the social environment. Behaviorists argue that
people are not born with a violent disposition. Rather, they learn to think and act
violently as a result of their day-to-day experiences (Bandura, 1977). [25]
3.4.1.2 Cognitive Development and Violence
Cognitive theorists focus on how people perceive their social environment and learn
to solve problems. The moral and intellectual development perspective is the branch
of cognitive theory that is most associated with the study of crime and violence. [26]
3.4.1.3 Intelligence and Violence
Another major area of psychological inquiry involves the possible relationship
between intelligence and crime. Criminologists working in the early 20th
century often
argued that intelligence is strongly associated with criminal behavior. People with low
intelligence, they argued, were much more likely to engage in crime and violence than
people with high intelligence were. Support for this hypothesis was garnered from
studies that directly compared the IQ scores of adolescents with IQ scores derived
from the general population. In general, these pioneering studies reported that the IQ
scores of delinquents were significantly lower than the IQ scores of normal controls
(Goddard, 1920; Healy and Bronner, 1926). [27]
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3.4.1.4 Mental Illness and Violence
Research suggests that depression, a relatively common disorder among youth, may
be related to aggression. Research suggests that particular types of mental illness –
including schizophrenia – are more associated with violent behavior than others are
(see Lescheid, 2007). In sum, research gives tentative support for the idea that mental
disturbance or illness may be a root or underlying cause of violent behavior. [28]
3.4.2 OTHER MAJOR THEORIES
Psychopathology:- When the battered women’s movement in the United States
began in the early 1970s, the prevailing theory of why men batter was based on
psychopathology. According to this theory, men who abused their wives were
mentally ill and could be cured through medication or psychiatric treatment. [29]
“Learned behavior” theory: - Researchers next theorized that violence was learned.
They argued that men battered because they had learned violence in their families as
children, and women sought out abusive men because they saw their mothers being
abused. [30]
“Learned helplessness” theory: - Another theory that was advanced was the
“learned helplessness” theory. Lenore Walker, a psychologist in the United States,
studied the behavior of women who stay in violent relationships. Walker hypothesized
that women stay in abusive relationships because constant abuse strips them of the
will to leave. The learned helplessness theory, however, did not account for the fact
that there are many social, economic and cultural reasons a woman might chose to
stay in an abusive relationship. Women often have very rational reasons for staying—
they may fear retaliation against themselves or their children, or they may not be able
to financially support themselves or their children. They may be ostracized by their
family and community if they leave. [31]
“Cycle of violence” theory:- The “cycle of violence” was the next theory to gain
popularity in the United States. This theory was based on the belief that men did not
19

express their frustration and anger because they had been taught not to show their
feelings. The man’s tension built until he exploded and became violent. The tension
was released, and the couple enjoyed a “honeymoon” period, during which the
husband was apologetic and remorseful. This theory, however, was not consistent
with women’s experiences. Many women never experienced a honeymoon period. [32]
The “family/relationship conflict” model:- According to this model, “both the man
and the woman contribute to violence in an intimate relationship.”
This model assumes either that the relationship is characterized by mutual violence, or
that “in many cases a wife provokes her husband by ‘below-the-belt’ arguments
prompting a violence response from her husband.” The woman’s behavior contributes
to the build-up of tension in the man, until the man explodes in a violent rage,
followed by a honeymoon period. [33]
Macho beings:- it is the perception of macho beings. Aggression is an important
aspect of macho traits. Men considered themselves strong and show off their strength
by being aggressive to women. [34]
Male chauvinism:- in south Asian society, life is considered indispensable without
male. Women considered themselves insecure, incomplete, ineffective, and inefficient
without males. On the basis of this concept the male member is dominant in society
and the female members are expected to be docile. The me3n are able to exploit
women’s’ weakness. [35]
Prepared By
University of Dhaka
20

Chapter Four
Literature Review
4.1 Reasons for Domestic Violence:-
To explain the causes of domestic violence scholars offers three different approaches
First, individually focused psychological theories consider individual assailants and
examine how characteristics of offenders and victims increase the likelihood of
domestic violence. Here an individual batterer’s biological disposition, personally
disorder, social environment during childhood, among other alternatives are given
importance as causes of domestic violence.
Secondly, family oriented research mainly offered by sociologists used individual
variables to explain why a particular family unit might explode into violent behavior.
Here structure of a family, isolation of a family from others families within the
society and discuss in detail as contributing causes of domestic violence.
Thirdly, many feminists use a micro-level analysis to examine the causes of domestic
violence. They argue that violence against women is structural within patriarchal
societies and has been persistently evident. Patriarchy often supersedes different
geographic, religious, and cultural characteristics of societies. Within the patriarchal
social structure, family violence to discipline women is seen not as deviant, but as
normal practice.
In society, friends and relatives tell a battered women that it is her responsibility to
make the relationship work. Even the battered women, because of her patriarchy
dominated cultural and religious beliefs, often shares the same view of herself as
responsible. Thus, within a patriarchal social system women have been victims of
domestic violence for centuries without an option of seeking help from state through
formal legal system. However, presently domestic violence does get attention from
states and formal legal system as a crime. [36]
21

4.1.1 Factors that sustain domestic violence:
Cultural:
i. Gender-specific socialization;
ii. Belief in the inherent superiority of males;
iii. Values that give men proprietary rights over women and girls;
iv. Notion of the family as the private sphere and under male control;
v. Customs of marriage (dowry);
vi. Acceptability of violence as a means to resolve conflict;
Economic:
i. Women’s economic dependence on men;
ii. Limited access to cash and credit;
iii. Non-implementation of laws regarding inheritance, property rights, and
maintenance after divorce or widowhood;
iv. Limited access to employment in formal and informal sectors;
v. Limited access to education and training for women;
Legal:
i. Lesser legal status of women by practice;
ii. Limitations of laws regarding divorce, child custody, maintenance, and
inheritance;
iii. Limitations of legal definitions of rape and domestic abuse;
iv. Low levels of legal literacy among women;
v. Insensitive treatment of women and girls by police and judiciary;
Political:
i. Under-representation of women in power, politics, the media and in the legal
and medical professions;
ii. Domestic violence not taken seriously;
iii. Limited organization of women as a political force;
iv.
Limited participation of women in organized political system. [37]
22

4.2 Consequences of Domestic Violence:-
There is a growing recognition that countries cannot reach their full potential as long
as women’s potential to participate fully in their society is denied. Data on the social,
economic and health costs of violence leave no doubt that violence against women
undermines progress towards human and economic development. Women’s
participation has become key in all social development programmers, be they
environmental, for poverty alleviation, or for good governance. By hampering the full
involvement and participation of women, countries are eroding the human capital of
half their populations. True indicators of a country’s commitment to gender equality
lie in its actions to eliminate violence against women in all its forms and in all areas
of life.
Perhaps the most crucial consequence of domestic violence is the denial of
fundamental human rights to women. International human rights instruments such as
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948, the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), adopted in 1979, affirm the principles of fundamental rights and freedoms
of every human being. CEDAW is guided by a broad concept of human rights that
stretches beyond civil and political rights to the core issues of economic survival,
health, and education that affect the quality of daily life for most women. [38]
Consequences in nucleus:-
i. Violence against women generates poverty.
ii. Violence against women hampers education.
iii. Violence against women imperils gender equality.
iv. Violence against women can kill infants.
v. Violence threatens the health of women and girls.
vi. Bad impact on Children. [39]
23

Table 4.1
Health Consequences of Violence Against Women [40]
Items Impact
Non-Fatal Outcomes
(Physical Health
Outcomes )
Injury (from Incerations to fractures and internal
organs injury)
Unwanted pregnancy
Gynecological problems
STDs including HIV/AIDS
Miscarriage
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Chronic pelvic pain
Headaches
Permanent disabilities
Asthma
Irritable bowel syndrome
Self-injurious behavior( smocking, unprotected
sex)
Mental health
outcomes
Depression
Fear
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Sexual dysfunction
Eating problems
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Fatal outcomes Suicide
Homicide
Maternal mortality
HIV/AIDS
24

4.3 Cost of Domestic Violence:-
Calculating the cost of violence is a strategic intervention to make policy makers
more aware about the impotence and effectiveness of prevention. The Canadian study,
which estimated the cost of violence against women in the larger contest of violence
both within and outside the home, concluded that the state spends over CND$1 billion
annually on services, including police, criminal justice system, counselling, and
training. For the United States, according to one study, cost estimates range between
US$5 and US$10 billion annually. These studies, it should be noted, refer only to
direct service related costs and don’t address the human cost of violence.
In 1993, the World Bank estimated that in industrialized countries health costs for
domestic violence and rape accounted for nearly one in five disability adjusted life
years lost to women age 15 to 44.
In developing countries, depending on the region, estimates range from 5 to 16
per cent of healthy years lost to women to reproductive age as a result of domestic
violence.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has divided the cost of domestic
violence into four categories using the following framework:-
1/ Direct Costs take into account expenditure on psychological counselling and
medical treatment; police services: housing and shelter for women and their children;
and social service.
2/ Non-monetary costs that do not draw upon medical services, but in themselves take
a heavy toll on the victim-survivor by way of increased morbidity and mortality
through homicide and suicide, increased dependence on drugs and alcohol and others
depressive disorders.
3/ economic multiplier effects includes, for example , decreased female labor
participation and reduced productivity at work, and lower earnings. In the United
States it has been reported that 30 per cent of abused women lost their jobs as a direct
result of the abuse.
4/Social multiplier effects include the inter-generational impact of violence on
children, erosion of social capital, reduced quality of life and reduce participation in
democratic process. These effects are difficult to measure quantitatively, but their
impacts is substantial in terms of a country’s social and economic development. [41]
25

4.4 Feminism and violence: Historical connection:-
The analysis of male violence has been a central feature of women’s political activism
and feminist theorizing for many years. For instance Elizabeth Pleck (1987) chartered
its significance in America going back over three hundred years , and Anna Clark
(1988) has described a similar situation in England for the period 1770-1885.
Victorian feminist fought for women’s rights to both divorce and legal separation on
the ground of husband’s violence and the successful culmination of this in Britain
with the 1878 Matrimonial Causes Act provided an important means of escape for
women involved with abusive partners (walby, 1990)
In Britain, in 1878, Frances Power Cobbe(1987) referred to wife-beating as a wife
torture.
As feminism developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the significance of
violence in women’s lived started to emerge. Feminists began to examine their own
experiences of abuse and provide support for other women who had been victims of
violence. As a result the first rape crisis line was established in the USA in 1971 and
the first refuge for battered women opened in England in 1972(Kelly, 1988). The
issue of violence against women has become an important focus for feminist theory
and action.
New issues, child sexual abuse and sexual harassment have raised. Women from
different countries have tackled forms of violence specific to their culture as well as
violence which is familiar to western women. In India there have been campaign
against dowry deaths: women being killed by their husband and in-laws for not
having provided sufficient money or goods and marriage (kishwar and vanita, 1984).
In Egypt and Africa women have challenged the custom of female circumcision (
el saadaw, 1980; koso-thomas, 1987)
In Tanzania, in 1991, a women’s crisis center was founded to talk up cases of
women subjected to sexual harassment, violence and discrimination (Gawanas, 1993)
In the 1980s the child sexual abuse gained a higher profile due in large part to
‘speak out’ by women survivors of sexual abuse and subsequently feminist analysis
(Bell, 1993). There are other aspects of male violence which have been central to
feminist theory and practice including rape, sexual harassment, pornography, and
murder, and feminist have often enhanced our understanding of such form of violence
26

by considering them together and acknowledge the interrelationship between different
kinds of violence.
Feminist have sought to establish that house work is work. In the 1970 for
example, there was considerable discussion around the issue of wages for house work
(See Malos, 1980) [42]
4.5 Practical Scenario of Domestic Violence in Bangladesh
According to UNDP Reports 2000, only 29% of women (over the age of 15) were
literate, as against 52.3% of men, child hood rates (age 7-10) female literacy is 41.5%
as compared to 50.6% for males.
In 1996, the total enrolled of students in the primary school was 83.90%, whereas
girls 78%. The enrolment rate for girl has increased significantly in 1999 to 79.7%
compared to 76.7% for boys. [43]
Studies suggested that approximately 10,000-20,000 Bangladeshi women, many of
whom are minors, are trafficked each year,(CEDAW, Shadow Report, 2003). About
40000 Bangladeshi women are working as sex worker in Pakistan. Studies also
indicate that Bangladeshi women serve at least 14% of the brothels in Kolkata, India.
[44]
Less than 1% cabinet member are women. Only 7.88% of civil servants are women.
Only 2.22% of the judiciary are held by women. Only 20% of members of local
government are women. Only 5.1% of women in the decision making bodies of all
political parties. The Awame league (AL) and BNP have the highest proportion of
women in decision making structure. 23% of the members of the ALs’ presidium are
women, while 9.2% are on the executive committee. The BNP has 14.7% women on
its executive committee. Both AL, BNP have included women’s issues on their
agendas and aim for gender equality. [45]
Though, women report about domestic violence only when it becomes a serious
problem or threats to life. The magnitude is so high that Bangladesh ranked second in
2002 (The Independent, 2002) and fourth ( The Daily Star, 2003) in 2003 in the world
27

in terms of different forms of violence against women; and sixty-five percent of
Bangladeshi men perceived wife beating as justified [46]
Odhikar, a human rights coalition group in Bangladesh, reported that at the first nine
month of 2003, in Bangladesh 278 women were victims of dowry related violence
among those 184 were killed, 20 committed suicide, 67 were physically tortured, 11
sustained injuries from acid attacks and 2 were divorced. [47]
According to recent research by International Center for Diarrheal Disease
Research-Bangladesh (2006), “60 per cent of women in Bangladesh experience some
form of domestic violence during their lives. [48]
One Stop Crisis Centre, a Bangladesh based NGO that supports women victims of
violence, reveals that almost 70 per cent of sexual abuse suffered by women occurs
within their own homes. An estimated 200 women are murdered each year in
Bangladesh when their families cannot pay their dowry, says Oxfam Australia” [49]
We often focus on grave social and health impact of domestic violence as it creates
social instability, insecurity and gender disparity. The WHO Multi-country Study on
Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women (2005) showed that less
than 1% of physically abused women reported the matter.
It is a matter of concern that a culture of acceptance, even, has grown and is being
transmitted from generation to generation to the point of being institutionalised. A
study of BNWLA shows that 30 percent of women think that husbands have the
“right” to inflict physical violence upon their wives. [50]
Police statistics and assessments by non-government organisations (NGOs) working
to establish women’s rights show that there is in an increasing trend in violence
against women and girls in Bangladesh. According to police records, while there were
2,981 cases of dowry-related violence in 2004, the figure has already hit 4,563 in the
first nine months of 2012. Also, where there were 2,901 rape cases recorded in 2004,
the figure for the current year, up to August, stands at 2,868. [51]
28

About 87 per cent of Bangladeshi married women are abused by their husband, this
according to a nation-wide study conducted by the government that involved a sample
of 12,600 women. Only 8 per cent of respondents said that they were never abused by
their partner. According to human rights organisation Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
(BMP), 5,616 cases of violence against women were recorded in 2012, mostly rapes
(904), followed by murders (900), stalking and death as a result of stalking (662);
dowry-related murders (558), and suicide (435). [52]
In Bangladesh 50% of all murders are of women by their partners (Joni Seager,
2003). 68% of women never told anyone about being beaten (WHO 2002). [53]
According to the report of AIN O SALISH KANDRO, in 2015, from January to
September, 292 women were violated. Among them 167 women were killed by their
husbands. 28 women were tortured. But case filled only 117. Last year (2014), from
January to December, 488 women were faced family torture (domestic violence). 262
women were killed by their husbands. And case filled 261. 36 women were directly
tortured by their husbands. [54]
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) organised a survey on women, title,
“Violence Against Women (VAW) Survey 2011”. This survey showed that, 87%
women were faced any type of violence by their husbands, 65% women were faced
physical violence, 36% sexual faced sexual violence, 82% mental violence, 53% were
faced economic violence. [55]
“AMRA PARI” an women rights’ related organisation organised a survey in seven
divisions, 96.25% women were bitten, reviled by their husbands, 95.63% women
were mentally pressurised regularly. 92.92% threaten to leave the house of their
husbands. 93.13% were tortured by kick and hit. 91.25% were tortured by stick. In
research also shown that, 55% women capable to defend strongly the family violence
(domestic violence). 43% women also able to defend family violence. [56]
29

Table 4.2
Violence Against Women and the Life Cycle [57]
Phase Types of violence
Pre-birth Sex-selective abortion; effects of battering during pregnancy on
birth outcomes.
Infancy Female infanticide; physical, sexual and psychological abuse.
Girlhood Child marriage; female genital mutilation; physical, sexual and
psychological abuse, incest, child prostitution, and pornography.
Adolescence
and adulthood
Dating and courtship violence (e.g. acid throwing and date rape),
economically coerced sex (e.g. school girls having sex with ‘sugar
daddies’ in return for school fees), incest, sexual abuse in the work
place, rape, sexual harassment, forced prostitution and pornography,
tariffing in women, partner violence, marital rape, dowary abuse
and murder, partner homicide, psychological abuse, abuse of
women with disabilities, forced pregnancy.
Elderly Forced suicide or homicide of widows for economic reasons,
sexual, physical and psychological abuse.
4.6 National Framework and protection of domestic violence
4.6.1 Constitution of Bangladesh
Since long run, the Bangladeshi women have been struggling to establish their rights
in family, society and in the state. The history of Bangladesh speaks that in any type
of revolution or in constructive change, both men and women worked hand by hand.
They put equal contribution in all these movements. We know that in the Liberation
war of Bangladesh, the contribution of the women directly or indirectly is
unmemorable. [58]
In the constitution, the Article 26, 27, 28 and 29, the equal right of the women is
declared. Especially in the Article 27, it is declared that “All citizens are equal in
front of law and should be provided by the state same shelter”.
30

4.6.2 Nari-O-Shishu Nirjaton Domon Ain, 2003
The “Nari-O- Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain, 2000” (as amended 2003), has for the first
time expanded the definition of rape considerably although it does not acknowledge
marital rape. Sexual assault and sexual harassment have been made punishable
offences under this Act. The overall character of this new law is reflective of same
level of participatory effort, irrespective of gender or religion despite these areas
being clearly within religious-personal sphere of citizen's lives. [59]
4.6.3 The Domestic Violence (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2010
The Act in the beginning defines “domestic violence” in Article 3 as "abuse in
physical, psychological, economical and sexual nature against one person by any
other person with whom that person is, or has been, in family relationship,
irrespective of the physical location where that act takes place". The key features of
the Act are summarized below:
Who can seek protection under the Act?
a. Any woman or children who is or has been at risk of being subjected to
domestic violence.
b. Any victim who is or has been a family relationship with the respondent.
c. Any handicapped adult who is or has been subjected to domestic violence.
Any person can file a complaint on their behalf.
Against whom can a complaint be filed?
a. Any adult person who has been in a family relationship with the victim
b. Relatives of the husband or intimate male partner including his male and
female relatives.
Forum of relief (Article 4, 5 & 6):
a. For the purpose of this Act after receiving a complaint a Police Officer,
Enforcement Officer or Service Providers shall inform the victim about the
availability of the services including medical and legal aid services.
b. Upon receiving complaint the first class Magistrate shall grant an interim
Protection Order or any other order under this Act.
31

c. Multiplicity of forum reliefs can be sought in other legal proceedings such as
petition for divorce, maintenance.
Court's power to pass protection order:
The Court may pass a decree of compensation ascertainment of victim's injury or
damage or loss as a result of domestic violence. The court may also pass at any stage
of proceedings for a protection order or for any other relief under this Act, a
temporary custody of children of the victim will grant to the victim or the applicant.
Consequences of breach of Protection Order (Articles 30 & 31):
a. Breach of protection order deemed is a punishable offence though cognizable
and bail able.
b. First contravenes: imprisonment six months or fine up to taka ten thousand or
both or engaging in a service benefiting to the community for a period.
c.
Subsequent contravention-imprisonment up to twenty four months and fine up
to taka one lac or both or engaging in a service benefiting to the community
for a period. [60]
4.7 Role of Media and NGO’s to prevent and finish Domestic Violence:-
Non-governmental Organizations like women’s organizations, have worked in
partnership with government agencies and international organizations to provide a
diversity of services, and education and awareness programs. Their capacity to
continue to deliver a range of services should be strengthened, particularly in
collaboration with state agencies. [61]
Women in Bangladesh face many different types of domestic violence,
including wife beating, domestic and dowry-related violence, acid attack, rape,
physical and verbal harassment, fatwa, sexual harassment, polygamy, child abuse and
etc. So what is the role the media and NGOs can play to end the above mentioned
violence. The answer is very simple.
The media can very simply take various steps to make the mess people aware
against domestic violence. There have many programs on TV, Radio and FM Radio.
The best example is “MINA CARTOON” .This cartoon had a very positive impact in
32

various aspects against domestic violence like campaign against child marriage,
equality between brother and sister in family life, not beating any baby girl etc.
Various NGOs are taking different initiatives to lessen domestic violence such as
rallies, campaigns, mess education, child education among the most deprived class.
As for example, some schools run by NGOs are providing proper guideline how to
fight against domestic violence.
The Civil society also has an important role to play in combating or preventing
DVAW. These roles include, but are not limited to training, education, providing
services and support, raising awareness, advocating and lobbying governments and
international organizations for better legislation or policies, etc. [62]
4.8 Interventions for women:-
Key areas for intervention include:-
 Advocacy and awareness raising.
 Education for building a culture of non-violence
 Training
 Resource development
 Direct service provision to victim survivors and perpetrators
 Networking and community mobilization
 Direct intervention to help victim survivors rebuild their lives
 Legal reform
 Monitoring intervention and measures
 Data collection and analysis
 Early identification of ‘at risk’ families, communities, groups, and individuals
These areas are not mutually exclusive, interventions may touch upon several areas at
once. Above all, five underlying principles should guide all strategies and
interventions attempting to address domestic violence:-
Prevention
Protection
Early intervention
Rebuilding the lives of victim-survivors
Accountability. [63]
33

Chapter Five
Research Methodology
5.1 Research Approach:-
There are two basic approaches to research, viz.., quantitative approach and
qualitative approach. [64]
Quantitative Research is labeled Quantitative because it uses numbers to try to
understand the process and the phenomena under the study. In this approach data are
collected by conducing survey in which respondents are asked the selected set of
questions, or by making use of the numbers, or by otherwise gathering information in
a form that allows what is observed to be captured by numbers.
A quantitative approach is one in which the investigator primarily uses post-
positivist claims for developing knowledge (i.e. cause and effect thinking, reduction
to specific variables and hypothesis and questions, use of measurement and
observation, and the test of theories). (Creswell, 2003, p.19)
Qualitative research makes use of words and sometimes images rather than
numbers. Researchers may do in-depth interviews where each respondent is asked
questions as they are in a survey, but as the interview proceeds, questions are tailed to
what the respondent has already said. Researchers may do observation where they
‘hang out’ in a setting of interest to them and take careful notes about what is going
on. Documents, including texts, photograph, and sound recordings may also be
examined.
There is a range of arguments about the value of mixing qualitative and
quantitative methods. The prime logical premise of using mixed method is that social
experience and lived realities are multi-dimensional and enacted simultaneously at
macro and micro scales, that our understanding are impoverished and may be
inadequate if we view these phenomena only along a single dimension.
What has emerged now is methodological pluralism, which recognize the
importance of both qualitative and quantitative methods and those could contribute to
interpret and understand social reality. [65]
34

5.2 Methods in Social Research:-
Different research problems imply different research goals, which in turn, call for
varied methods and techniques. There have many methods and techniques, there are
described below:-
5.2.1 Content Analysis: - Content analysis is a research technique for the objective,
systematic and quantitative description of the manifest content of certain
communication (Berelson; 1952:16). Content analysis methods critically and
objectively reviews the published or printed facts, figures, opinions, observations,
generalizations in the light of its content value. (Wilkinson; 1982:156)
5.2.2 Descriptive method: - this method of research is widely used by social science
researchers. Experts on research methodology are, however, not quite agreement on
what constitutes descriptive research. Most often the term is broaden to include all
forms of research except historical and experimental (Leedy: 1980)
5.2.3 Survey method: - survey method is most widely used in social science research.
It is probably the best method available to the scientists interested in collecting
original data for purposes of describing a population too large to observe directly.
Surveys are widely used to collect information and observations over time.
5.2.4 Historical methods: - History may be define as an integrated narrative or
description of past events or facts, written in the spirit of critical inquiry to find out
the whole truth and report it. (Asubel; 1959)
Historical methods of research aims to reconstruct the past objectively and accurately,
often in relation to the tenability of hypothesis. Historical research depends upon data
observed by others rather than by the investigator
5.2.5 The case study:-. Case studies involve measuring and studying what is there
and how it got there. Case studies involve an in-depth examination of a single person
or a few people. The goal of the case study is to provide an accurate and complete
description of the case. The principal benefit of case studies is that they can expend
our knowledge about the variations in human behavior.
Case studies of individual participants often include in-depth interviews with
participants and collaterals (e.g. friends, family members and colleagues), review of
medical records, observation, and excerpts from participant’s personal writings and
diaries.
35

Limitations of Case Study: - because of their narrow focus on a few units, case
studies are limited in their representatives. They don’t allow valid generalizations to
the population. Case studies are particularly vulnerable to subjective biases. The case
itself may be selected because of its dramatic, rather than typical attributes; or because
it neatly fits the researchers preconceptions. Subjective interpretation is influencing
the outcome.
5.2.6 Discourse analysis: - Discourse analysis can be characterized as a way of
approaching and thinking about a problem. In this sense, it is neither a qualitative nor
a quantitative research method, but a manner of questioning the basic assumptions of
qualitative and quantitative research methods. It does not provide a tangible answer to
problems based on scientific research. It is a way of understanding social interactions.
5.2.7 Scenario building: - this is an emerging approach of social research. In research
topics where empirical data and information are not readily available or missing , in
order to give a projective analysis and interpretation of the phenomena under study ,
the researchers depends ;largely on his past experience , analysis of the current
process , review of the trends and sometimes consultation with experts [66]
Table 5.1
Different Research Strategies [67]
Strategy Forms of research
question
Requires control
over behavioral
events
Focus on
contemporary
events.
Experiment How, why Yes Yes
Survey Who, what, where,
how many, how
much
No Yes
Archival analysis Who, what, where,
how many, how
much
No Yes/no
History How, why No No
Case study How, why No Yes
Source:- Cosmos Corporation
36

Basically I have followed the qualitative approach and case study method for my
research. And I have emphasized on secondary data.
5.3 Sources of Data Collection:-
Researchers collected data from different sources. All sources of data can be grouped
in to two major sources:
Primary sources.
Secondary sources.
5.3.1 Primary sources: - the primary data collected from my village, (Vil- Harni, Po-
Ulania, Mehendigang, Barisal).
5.3.2 Secondary sources:- For the secondary sources of information or data
collection on different sources such as UNO reports, internet browsing, reports of
newspaper, research work, books, journals, relevant laws and rules.
5.3.3 Observation: - it is an important process to gather or collect pure data and help
to show real scenario of the research. Researchers observed the research area and
collected information for conducting research. I also have followed this method.
Prepared By
University of Dhaka
37

Chapter six
Analysis of the Case
6.1Violence:-
In our rural area, peoples (including male and female) are not know the definition of
violence like us. But they use a word ‘torture’. This word can be replaced for
violence. Actually there have no difference between torture and violence.
6.2 types of violence:-
There have many of violence in our rural area. These are:-
Physical violence
Psychological violence
Economic violence
Sexual violence
Dowry related violence
Deprivation from education
Deprivation in food and cloth system
Forced marriage.
Etc.
6.3 Life of women in torture:-
Women face many types of violence or torture. In this perspective, we can divide a
women’s life into two phase:-
Pre-married life
Post married life
6.3.1 Pre-married:-
In pre-married life women face many problems. Because, in our rural area, women are
considered as burden for family. So, women don’t get enough nutrition and food
facilities. They also deprived in education facility.
38

It is a very shocked news for us, many of families who love their girls very much. But
in such families, women face at least two types of violence:-
Deprivation from education
Forced marriage
Why this violence? Many of family think that, women have to marry, and one day
she will leave this family. So, there have no benefit to give her education. There have
another focused point, many religious families think that, for education system, there
have possibility to violate religious values like veil.
In marriage system, there have no right to give her opinion. Women and girls’ have
no excess in decision making process. Even mothers’ and sisters’ choice and opinion
can be ignored. This is the scenario of our society and this is the position of our
women.
Who are responsible? From my observation and studies, I have marked two actors:-
Fanatic peoples
The neighbors
Fanatic peoples believe that, women’s have no power. They only made for served
the men. Women’s have no need to education, because it can be violate the veil
system of Islam. The fanatic peoples may be includes, father, mother, brother, sister,
religious person, and other relatives.
Women are not violated only by her family also by the neighbors. Neighbors’
also have a great influence in rural society. Sometimes neighbor give false idea and
seduce.
What are the impacts? There have many bad impacts of such violence in women’s
life.
Because of deprivation in food system, they face many diseases and malnutrition.
Because of deprivation of education, they are forced to early marriage. Thus, they
become unconscious about the real life. And they have lose their all types of
possibility to power (e.g. decision making, employment, economic freedom etc.).
39

Because of illiteracy they also forced to early marriage with low class or poor family.
That’s create long term problem for a women.
Because of early marriage, there have possibility to physical and sexual abuse, dowry
related abuse and murder, marital rape etc.
6.3.2 Post married: - This is the most important part of our study. In this time
women face a lot of problems. At first they face psychological or emotional violence.
Then inflect physical violence or torture. In this period, women also face dowry
related abuse or torture. Dowry related violence can be physical or psychological.
Why this violence? There have many reasons for this violence. But in our study, we
can be identified some reasons. These are:-
Dowry
Disability and illness.
Family condition of husband and wife.
Lack of education
Lack of consciousness.
Lack of understanding and good relation. (Among families)
Create misunderstanding by others (family members and neighbors)
Who are responsible? Three types of peoples are most responsible for this violence
or torture. These are given below:-
Family members (husbands’ father, mother, brother, sister etc.)
Relatives
Neighbors
What are the Impacts? There have many bad impacts of such violence. At first,
breaking their emotional bondage. And have possibility to break down the
relationship with one another (individual, family). There also have a bad impact on
the children. Because, the intellectual growth of a child depends on the relation
between mother and father.
40

6.4 Overall discussion:-
To overcome this situation, I think, the opportunity to education should be provided
to all of women. Then, awareness building also most important. We should realize
that, women are half of ours. Without them, our development is impossible.
Basically, the situation is changing over time. But it is a long term process.
Supporting system also most important in violence system. In our rural area, when
children grow up, they naturally support their mother. And the position of his/her
mother become better than past. This is the reality.
It should be remembered that, sometimes the higher level quality of women than men
can produce violence. Men want to dominate and take the way of torture or violence.
And education is the basic right that violate in many societies.
The decision making power depends on the power of economy. Who control economy
and spend money for any family even for any organization, he/she take any decision
for that family or organization.
Women are think and believe that only proper education can change their life cycle.
Prepared By
University of Dhaka
41

Chapter Seven
Findings, Recommendations and Conclusion.
7.1 Findings:-
It is found that gender based domestic violence is a multidimensional and multi-causal
serious problem.
Acceptance of Dowry is also considered a form of violence against women
Social structural factors contribute to domestic violence. Patriarchal norms and
traditions of male supremacy and subservience and dependency of women have also
added the fuel for the social disease of domestic violence against women.
Barriers such as lack of resources, lack of social support, lack of knowledge, lack of
skill, lack of information, lack of education are some of the reasons which forces
individuals to remain in a violent relationship.
Fear is used as a tool for perpetuating intimate partner violence.
Domestic violence is entrenched not only in the urban areas but in rural areas as well.
It is more evident in patriarchal form of the society than matrilineal society.
There are very few organizational structures that provide counseling for the victim of
domestic violence. This missing facet is one of the root causes of violence.
In today’s world, women are far more educated, liberated, exposed to media thereby
leaving soldiers behind. Incompatibility which has resulted by the change in the
outlook can also lead to violence.
The society of this country still believes on male superiority and female inferiority,
still believes on dowry not dower.
42

To prevention of violence against women, more awareness program, educational and
media initiatives are needed.
International instruments are also not being able to protect the woman from the
exposure of domestic violence so far.
The structural roots of domestic violence are often neglected which needs attention.
7.2 Recommendations:-
Domestic violence protection strategies should be looked for within family and
community settings. Critical need for interventions that involve men and boys to
reduce domestic violence.
Reducing domestic violence should be based on a commitment to long term support.
Patriarchal mindset must change in order for domestic violence to be eliminated.
There is a need for developing strong evidence on the linkages between domestic
violence and its reasons.
Media could be an effective tool for awareness and education about domestic
violence.
Need for early interventions and screening facilities at the health care centers.
Individual experiences of domestic violence are different in each case. There is a need
to consider how domestic violence is experienced.
Corporate should come forward to help, organize meetings and workshops on
violence, preventing violence.
To end the domestic violence against women, we need to start from the root level
educating families and especially the children who are the future of Bangladesh.
43

7.3 Conclusion:-
In the context of gender imbalance, well establish risks of family abuse have a
relatively high prevalence in rural Bangladesh. Men do abuse their intimate partners.
Men play the main role for violence against women.
Domestic violence is associated with socio economic isolation and control. Women’s
subordinate social status with gender inequality in developing countries induce
violence against women. Women’s economic empowerment is the vital protective
factor for domestic violence against themselves. Therefore, through higher education,
economic empowerment and awareness we can expect to reduce women’s social
isolation and improve social protecting behavior against domestic violence.
Therefore, I would like to recommend that programs related to women’s issues such
as reproductive health, empowerment, human rights and women movements should
deliberately be consider the domestic violence issue. Therefore, the “Safe
Community” movement can be used more and more to foster violence protection
program around the world, especially in the developing countries like Bangladesh.
At last we can make a scenario from an example, Benazir Bhutto, the 11th
prime
minister of Pakistan, once stated, “My mother says nobody came to see her for three
days in the hospital when I was born because they were all in mourning, because a
girl had been born. I remember once she had mentioned to me that even the dogs were
giving birth to boys and even the cats were giving birth to boys”.
44

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9) Ibid , page 17
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11) OP CIT, Giri P.K. (2009), page 20
12) Ibid, page 21
13) Ibid, page 20
14) http://nursinghomeabuseguide.com/women-and-elder-abuse/( December 2, 2015
15) http://www.teendvmonth.org/dating-violence ( December 2, 2015)
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violence/stalking.html (last visited on 5 December 2015)
18) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights, (Last
visited on 14 November 2015).
45

19) http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html( Last visited
on 14 November 2015)
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all-forms-of-discrimination-against-women-cedaw-articles (Last visited on 5
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23) Mehtab Nazmunnessa, (2007), Women in Bangladesh; From Inequality to
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e5/chapter02_psychological_theories.aspx (Last visited on 5 December 2015)
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27) Ibid
28) Ibid
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30) Ibid
31) Ibid
32) Ibid
33) ibid
34) Niaz U, (2003), Violence against women in South Asian countries. available at-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12920615 (last visited on 5 December
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35) Ibid
36) OP CIT, Jahan, Ferdous (2008), Pa-28
46

37) Giri P.K. (2009), Crime Against Women,( Jaipur) Sublime. Page 21-23
38) United Nations ECOSOC, Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against
Women, E/CN.4/1996/53 para 33.
39) OP CIT, Giri P.K page 23
40) OP CIT, Naidu Y. Gurappa page50
41) OP CIT, Giri P.K page 25-27.
42) Robinson, Victoria. Et.al, (1997), Introducing Women Studies, (New York),
PALGRAVE. page 331
43) OP CIT, Mehtab Nazmunnessa ,page 22
44) Ibid ,page 23
45) Ibid, page 25
46) Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (2010) Bangladesh: Violence against
Women, Especially Domestic Violence; State Protection and Resources Available
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(Last visited on 13 November 2015).
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1992),<http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/recommendations/recomm.ht
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<https://centre.icddrb.org/pub/publication.jsp?classificationID=56&pubID=7197>
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org/publications/pdf/digest6e.pdf> p.2 (Last visited on 14 November 2015).
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51) www.ipsnews.net/2012/10/violence-against-women-persists-in-bangladesh/, (last
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52) http://www.asianews.it/news-en/In-Bangladesh,-87-per-cent-of-women-victims-
of-domestic-violence-30204.html (last visited on 21Nov 2015)
47

53) http://www.shimmymob.com/purpose/abuse_facts/(last visited on 21 November
2015)
54) The daily prothom alo, NARI MANCHO, page 14, Tuesday, 24 November 2015
55) Ibid
56) ibid
57) OP CIT, Naidu Y. Gurappa ,Page-47
58) OP CIT, Mehtab Nazmunnessa ,page 183
59) http://www.commonlawhouse.com/probycats4.php?id=10&ct=371 (last visited
on 18 November 2015)
60) http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://mowca.portal.gov.
bd/sites/default/files/files/mowca.portal.gov.bd/page/203db6dc_7c82_4aa0_98a6_
8672334b235c/Domestic%2520Violence%2520Act%2520English.pdf (last
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61) OP CIT, Giri P.K ( page 33)
62) Global challenge protecting women against violence
<http://www.globalization101.org/a-global-challenge-protecting-women-against-
violence>. (Last visited on 5 December 2015)
63) OP CIT, Giri P.K ( page 28,29)
64) Kothari C.R. (2005) Research Methodology, (New Delhi) New Age International
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65) Aminuzzaman, Salauddin M (2011), Essentials of Social Research, (Dhaka)
Osder.
66) Ibid page 54-65
67) I. Sobha; M.S.N. Reddy (2009), Research Methodology in Women Studies. (New
Delhi) Anmol
48

Appendix: - 01
The Case
(For study)
Name: - Mahmuda Rani.
Age: - 40.
Marital Status: - Married
Designation: - House wife
Educational qualification: - class seven.
Mahmuda Rani is the first child of her parents. She beget after 9 years of her
parents’ first marriage day. So her parents’ love her very much. Her neighbors and
relatives also love her very much. They are two brothers and two sisters. Her
father was a farmer in his own land. Her father became arthritis when she was
only 10 years old. She and her brother helped their parents’ work with continuing
the study.
Mahmudas’ family is a religious family. And thought that, women’s education not
allowed in Islam. And have no need of education for a woman/ girl. A neighbor
(uncle) also gave machination to her father. Her father advised and convinced her
not to go to school. To stop her education, they take a fraud process. For her father
and uncle, her education have stopped. In that time, she was a student of class
seven. Mhmuda and her sister are under SSC. But her brothers have taken MA
degree.
Few years later, Mahmuda was forced to arrange marriage. In marriage process,
have not taken her opinion. The most important factor, in her marriage, her
fathers’ opinion also ignored. Her grandfather (from father) took all decision
about her marriage. Because her parents was dependent on the huge property of
her grandfather and also for his disease. Her father was not agree for the poor
family condition of her husband. For this, her father have not come to visit her
husband’s house for a single time in his life.
49

The family of Mahmuda’s husband was poor. Her husband is a poor farmer and
day labor, and father in law was a day labor and poor farmer. So from the first day
of her marriage, she have faced many problems. Including, food, sanitation, and
cloth.
After three years of her marriage, her father died. In her laws’ family, the family
members don’t count her. Her relatives (in law) psychologically attacked her a lot.
Specially her father in law (SASUR), sister in law (NANAD), and brothers in law
(DABOR), attacked her. She also denounced for the fault of her husband.
After 5/6 years of her marriage, Muhmuda became ill. She attacked of a disease;
arthritis. So the normal movement and working capably hampered. In that time
she faced a lot of maltreatment. Her husband and member of laws did not take
care of her. She also deprived from medical care and service. In that time, her
brothers take care her. In disease time, her SASUR, DABOR, NANAD, and
husband of NANAD, forced her husband to divorce her. And also advised for
second marriage. But her husband denied.
After a long term treatment, Mahmuda became cure. And go back to her
husband’s house. In her life she faces many problem. She was tortured by her
husband psychologically and physically. She was physically tortured by her
husband for the influence of other: relatives. Many of times, she was
psychologically attacked by her husband and relatives for dowry. She was
physically and psychologically maltreated for the fault of her children.
Now, Mahmudas’ brothers in law (DABOR) are socially and economically
establish. Some of them are banker, other in teaching and service sector. On the
other hand, Mahmudas’ husband is a poor farmer. So they are economically poor.
For this, Mahmuda and her family (husband and children) are psychologically
attacked by her brothers in law.
50

The case
(For observation)
Name: - Asma Begum
Age: - 23
Marital status: - Married.
Designation: - Student and house wife.
Educational Qualification: - Running student of degree (BA)
Asma begum a student of class degree. She is the 3rd
child and eldest of all sisters.
They are two brothers and three sisters. Before marriage she faced many
psychological problems. But when she was the student of class 12, she married
with a 5 pass man. Her husband is a shop keeper. There have commitment
between her family and her husband’s family about the continuing her study.
After few months of her marriage day, her husband started to force to leave the
study. There have strategic point, the family of her husband is illiterate. And
feeling a fear that, their daughter in law will underestimate them. And one day,
she leave her husband. Because she is an educated women and her husband is
illiterate person. For this her husband have not given any financial help in her
education.
From this perspective, her husband call her at his job place for staying with him.
Asma came to her husband at Gazipur in Dhaka. In that time, her husband
physically tortured on her a lot. For this reason, her family backed her at their
home. This event repeated for several time. Asma’s family wanted to resolve this
problem by the SALISH process. But their efforts have failed.
By the way, Asma is staying her fathers’ house. And dependent on her brothers’
income. Before a year Asma beget a child. On the other hand her husband have
taken second wife without concern of her. For this Asma’s family filed a case
against her husband. Now her husband was detention in jail. But now he is outside
of jail in bail. And the litigation process is continuing.
51

Appendix: 02
Questions for the Respondents
We know that, in case study method, questionnaire paper is not important like survey
method. So at first I introduced myself and have taken a viva from my respondent.
There have many questions (formal and informal) to my respondent. But the basic
questions are given below:-
1) What is your name?
2) Your age, please?
3) Your educational qualification and occupation, please?
4) Please say something about your parent’s house and environment.
5) How much your parents love you?
6) Did you face any type of violence in your parental house?
7) How types of violence have you faced?
8) Who were the responsible for that violence?
9) What’s the impacts of those violence?
10) Please say something about your marital life.
11) Have you face any type of violence in your marital life?
12) How types of violence are you faced?
13) Have you face any type of physical violence? And now is it continuing?
14) Why this violence?
15) Havre any influence of third parties?
16) Have you faced any type of problem for those violence?
17) What’s your role in your family?
18) Please say something about your present situation.
19) What was the main problem that have totally changed your life? Or what was the
main point that have changed your life cycle?
20) Recommend something that can change and improve the life of women.
Thank you so much for your cordial cooperation
52

Prepared By
University of Dhaka
53

A Research Monograph On Quot Women Rights Domestic Violence Against Women In

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