A new survey reveals that 76% of women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of violence by their husbands or intimate partners, with 49% facing it in the past year alone.

The Violence Against Women Survey 2024, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNFPA, is the largest of its kind in the country, providing detailed insights into the prevalence, patterns, and impact of gender-based violence at a event on Monday.

Key Findings:

* 54% of women reported physical or sexual abuse by husbands in their lifetime.

* 60% of sexual violence survivors faced repeated abuse last year.

* Violence persisted during pregnancy: 7.2% experienced physical and 5.3% sexual violence.

* 15% of women aged 15+ faced physical violence from non-partners; 2.2% experienced sexual violence.

* 8.3% experienced technology-facilitated abuse, including sexual blackmail and image misuse.

* 62% of survivors never disclosed the violence.


Barriers to Help:

* Only 14.5% sought medical assistance.

* Only 7.4% of women abused by husbands pursued legal action, mostly through local leaders.

* Only 12.3% were aware of the national helpline 109.


Dowry practices, substance abuse among husbands, extramarital affairs, and living in urban slums increase the likelihood of violence, while higher education among husbands reduces it.

Voices from the Launch

BBS Director General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said, “This is the largest survey of its kind in Bangladesh’s history. It provides reliable data on the prevalence, impact, and patterns of violence, which will guide future policymaking.”

Dr Qayum Ara Begum, member of the Planning Commission, added, “These statistics reflect the reality of women’s lives in Bangladesh and should guide both policy and social action to protect them.”

UNFPA Representative Catherine Breen Kamkong emphasized, “Thousands of women have bravely shared their experiences, giving us a strong foundation for policy development. What we need now are transformative actions to prevent violence, support survivors, and ensure justice.”

A panel discussion with Shireen Huq (Women’s Affairs Reform Commission), DIG Dr Shobha Riaz Alam (SPBN), and Prof. Dr Sanjida Akhter (Dhaka University) highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based reforms and building a safe society for women and girls.