Evaluate the effectiveness of Bangladesh’s existing legal and policy frameworks in combating gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence continues to rise at an alarming rate in Bangladesh, quietly invading homes, streets, workplaces, and digital spaces. Despite some progress, violence against women remains deeply entrenched in societal norms, often ignored or silenced.

Scope and Scale of the Problem

shocking Statistics: The 2024 Violence Against Women Survey reveals a grim reality:

* 76% of women have faced violence from a spouse or partner in their lifetime.

*62% of victims never disclose their abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of support.

*15% of women experienced physical violence last year alone.

 Forms of Gendered Violence

Domestic and Sexual Violence: Abuse often occurs within families by husbands, in-laws, or partners. Over 60% of women subjected to sexual violence were pregnant at the time. This highlights how vulnerable women are even during the most sensitive stages of life.

Cyber Violence on the Rise: Online platforms have become another battlefield. From cyberstalking to revenge porn and deepfake threats, women face psychological trauma and public humiliation. The anonymity of abusers online adds another dangerous layer to gender-based threats.

Why Victims Don’t Get Justice

Lack of Accessible Legal Support: Even when women attempt to report violence, they face immense obstacles. Court processes are often long, expensive, and humiliating for survivors. Only 7.4% of those who faced sexual violence pursued legal action. In many cases, the police discourage filing complaints or ask inappropriate questions, further traumatizing victims.

Weak Institutional Response: Though Bangladesh has helplines like 109 and digital tools like Help app and 3333, they remain underused due to poor publicity and lack of trust. The article reveals that only 12.3% of women know about the national helpline. This gap between availability and accessibility reflects a failure in public outreach and awareness.

Insufficient Shelter and Rehabilitation Services: Women escaping abusive situations often have nowhere to go. Government shelters are limited and underfunded, and NGOs struggle to meet the rising demand. Without proper psychological support, legal aid, and economic help, many women are forced to return to their abusers.

Root Causes: Why Gendered Violence Persists

Patriarchal Norms and Toxic Masculinity: Bangladeshi society, like many others, is deeply patriarchal. Men are often raised to believe they have authority over women. Control, aggression, and even violence are often seen as signs of strength. These cultural beliefs fuel domestic abuse and discourage men from viewing women as equals.

Social Silence and Stigma: Victims are frequently blamed for the abuse they endure. They are told to stay quiet, adjust, or think about the family. As a result, they suffer in silence, fearing judgment more than harm. Families often discourage legal action to “protect their honor,” thereby protecting the abuser. Economic Dependency: Many women cannot leave abusive relationships because they are financially dependent on their husbands. Without access to education, employment, or property, they lack the resources to survive on their own.

The Way Forward: Breaking the Cycle

 *Increase funding and staffing for emergency helplines and rescue services.

*Improve police training to handle GBV cases with empathy and efficiency.

*Ensure survivors get access to free legal aid, psychological support, and shelter.

*Create local task forces involving community leaders, teachers, and religious figures.

*Gender education in schools to teach boys about consent, respect, and equality.

*Empowering women through skills training, jobs, and access to credit.

*Media responsibility to portray women with respect and challenge stereotypes.

*Community awareness programs that engage men and women in dialogue.

*Law reform to ensure quicker trials and stricter punishment for offenders.

The battle against gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that requires collective courage and commitment. Ending gender-based violence demands empathy, accountability, and most importantly action. Unless we raise our voices, educate our youth, reform our institutions, and support survivors, the cycle of violence will continue. A country cannot claim to be developed or civilized while half its population lives in fear. It is time to listen, believe, and act.

Nafew Sajed Joy Published: 20 October, New Age.