COVID‐19 and Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study on Pabna District

ABSTRACT Domestic violence can be committed by anyone who is a member of the victim's household. The present empirical study aims to determine the factual comparison between rural and urban domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study used quantitative research approaches to collect this empirical data. This study was conducted in Pabna Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. Due to lacking financial resources and time, the researchers have accepted the Dogachi Union and Pabna Municipality as areas. The survey method and questionnaire instrument were applied for data collection. It is processed using computer programs, statistical instruments, and Microsoft Word and Excel to analyze the collected data. The frequency distribution is applied using statistical techniques after data processing, analysis, and interpretation. The study was conducted using probability sampling techniques through a random sampling procedure. The sample size has been determined to be 162. This research study shows that 29.6% of urban respondents and 49.4% of rural respondents experienced domestic violence during COVID‐19. This means that the impact of domestic violence is greater in rural areas. Domestic violence was significantly worsened by the COVID‐19 pandemic, producing a crisis within a crisis. The village delegates from the city had greater issues with the COVID pandemic, saying that there is a lack of awareness in the countryside and that there are more domestic violence victims there.