Determinants of domestic violence against women: Evidence from Khulna District of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Domestic violence against women is a major social problem in Bangladesh. This paper examines the determinants of domestic violence in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was carried out in selected areas of Khulna district of the country and followed survey research design. A total of 312 ever married female respondents who experienced domestic violence at any stage of their life were surveyed. The respondents were selected through simple random sampling as a semi-structured questionnaire/ interview schedules was used as the primary tool for data collection. The data were collected in two stages between the months of May-October, 2021 through face-to-face interviews. Results from the chi-square analysis show that, respondents' residence, educational status, age at first marriage, duration of marriage life, husband's income, husband's occupation, and a demand for dowry were all associated with domestic violence against women (p <.01). The study concludes that creation of awareness and empowerment of women through income generating activities particularly in the rural areas of Bangladesh is necessary to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence.Copyright © Nova Science Publishers, Inc.