Factors Associated with Domestic Violence against Rural Bangladeshi Women

This study examines the causes of domestic violence against rural Bangladeshi women. By drawing on thirty-nine semi-structured in-depth interviews through phenomenological approach of qualitative study, conducted in eight rural settings in Netrokona and Mymensingh districts, it was found that every experience of the women with domestic violence has a context or contexts. Broadly, the prominent causes of domestic violence were identified as dowry-demand, polygamy and extramarital relations, in-laws syndrome, childless and sonless state, questioning husbands, and not meeting the husbands’ and in-laws’ expectations. Patriarchal structure and system of the society are broadly and dominantly interwoven in every factor of domestic violence. Making structural changes to women’s subordination is the most important strategic response to eliminate or prevent domestic violence from the society.