Socio – Legal Analysis of Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: A Deeper Understanding of The Root Causes and Legal Remedies

Abstract

Domestic violence is not new in Bangladesh. Domestic violence is on the rise in our society and if we don't stop it, a dire situation awaits us. Such abuse of violence is deeply rooted in our society where masculinity supports and reinforces it. Research has shown that social norms and practices in both rural and urban areas have internalized domestic violence. Victims are often sent back from their natal homes to their abusive husbands because it affects their family's honor. It's a scenario we're all too familiar with, and it's led to dire consequences for some of them. Women are taught to be patient and ignore abuse in relationships, after all it was a little hurt.' Domestic violence in Bangladesh has such a narrative and women are often unaware that such violence is real and legal. Community attitudes also encourage such practices. According to the law of Bangladesh, what do we mean by family violence? A common misconception in our society is that if a husband beats his wife, physical abuse, it is only considered as domestic violence. However, physical violence is only one of the four types of domestic violence. According to Section 3 of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 domestic violence includes physical, mental, sexual and economic abuse against a woman or child (victim) by family members. Physical violence includes (but not limited to) slapping, hitting, beating, etc. to that person. Domestic violence mainly involves denial of liberty such as not allowing the victim to visit his family or his friends, thereby isolating him, restricting his movement and depriving the victim of his liberty. Sexual harassment includes abuse of a sexual nature that violates the victim's dignity. However, if the victim is raped by her husband, this is a tricky area, as marital rape is not considered a crime in Bangladesh unless the wife is under 13 years of age. A fourth form of abuse is deprivation of economic resources which includes deprivation of property to which they are legally entitled; Deprivation of daily necessities etc. Child abuse by daughter-in-law, family members. Most women are abused by their husbands, in-laws and other family members. Domestic violence affects the lives of many women in both urban and rural areas. Domestic violence takes many forms, occurs within families, and is almost always perpetuated by patriarchal orders. The aim of this study is to find out the impact of violence in our society and reconcile it with our social norms and values