201 Domestic violence against women in hard to reach districts: a cross-sectional study

<h3>Background</h3> In Bangladesh, violence stands at sixth position at grade C among ten selected countries. More than half of women have encountered physical and sexual abuse at least once during their lives. <h3>Objective</h3> This study explores perception and practices on Gender Based Violence (GBV) among women in hard-to-reach districts in Bangladesh. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross sectional study was conducted in three hard-to-reach districts during October to December 2019. Data was collected at randomly selected 1,200 household from women of 15 - 49 years. The data collection was performed through face to face interview at household level. Data analysis was performed descriptively. <h3>Results</h3> About 60% women can’t go outside of house premises without permission of household heads. About 58% women can’t go to market, 45% can’t buy clothes with their choice. About 47% women who had income, depended on decision of husband for expenses. During illness only 15.8% women can decide themselves for receiving treatment. 82% of the respondents had idea about violence and 44.7% respondents faced violence. Among them 91% faced physical abuse and 9% with mental tortures. About 87% faced violence within last three days. The cause of violence included poverty (62.6%), argument with husband (13.3%), and going out without permission (9.1%), ignoring children (8.4%) and others (6.6%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Women in hard to reach areas faced violence due to economic and social constraints. Context-based policy on GBV needs to be in place and implemented by government and non-government agencies.