Mindset of women a major obstacle

"It is one of the root causes of violence against women and children at the family level that the victims themselves hold the same perception as the perpetrators," said Tawfique M Haque while presenting his research findings.

At least 16 percent of women victims see domestic violence as justified while another 16 percent think it is unethical but not unusual, according to his research survey conducted in six upazilas in Bagerhat, Jessore, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh districts.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Worse, most victims are unable to recognise the mental torture on they endure, he said.

The discussion on 'Domestic Violence: An Issue of Human Security in Bangladesh' was organised by Manabik Shahajya Sangstha (MSS) at its head office in the city.

The findings also revealed that poverty has a direct impact on domestic violence -- 29 percent of the victims are ultra poor, 45 percent are poor while 26 percent are tolerably poor.

It also showed that 47 percent of the victims suffered very severe torture, 35 percent severe torture and 18 percent suffered not-so-severe torture.

Haque said dowries, financial dependence, family values, lack of awareness about their rights and legal protection, illiteracy and patriarchal mindsets are responsible for violence against women.

"We have to launch a women's rights movement from our respective family," said researcher and gender specialist Maleka Begum, adding that policymakers must ensure democracy in the family first.

Shirin Akter, president of Karmojibi Nari, said that one must recognise the economic value of a woman's role in a family with due dignity.

Dr Hamida Hossain and Abdul Mannan Khan of Ain-O-Salish Kendra (ASK), Gulshan Akter of the daily Jugantar and Farida Yasmin of the daily Ittefaq also spoke.