Violence against women is a denial of human rights

Today, November 25, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Violence against women (VAW) ranges from spousal abuse to rape, dowry murders, acid throwing, sexual harassment, female genital mutilation, ‘honor killing’ and sexual slavery through international trafficking in women. This includes physical, sexual and emotional torture, as well as financial abuse even by family members. Violence against women has many causes, including but not limited to patriarchal domination, lack of gender sensitivity, and corruption in the judicial system. Additionally, low socio-economic status and experience of abuse in childhood are several determinants of violence against women. Globally, in different cultures, socio-cultural norms deepen the subordination of women, with societies forcing women to tolerate abuse in order to preserve “family honour”. This contributes to the normalization of domestic violence.

Violence against women is an international problem that transcends age, status, education and geography. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 30 percent of women and girls worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Today, more than 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone circumcision. More than 4.5 million people are sexually abused every year, and more than 5,000 women become victims of honor killings every year. But these figures—shockingly—only tell part of the story; We still don’t know its true size. Even if data were available, the figures are likely to be insufficient because it is extremely difficult to collect information about violence against women. Victims are often afraid or embarrassed to come forward.

The impact of domestic violence is devastating, damaging survivors’ physical and psychological health as well as their social and economic stability. Domestic violence impairs cognitive functions and results in acute pain, gynecological complications, memory loss, and other physical impairments. Additionally, children who witness domestic violence are more likely to experience developmental delays. Boys growing up in abusive families are more likely to repeat their father’s behavior in their own homes. Although several studies suggest that women in poor households are at higher risk of domestic violence, the link between poverty and violence is not fully understood. In the workplace, women are subjected to different types of harassment (physical, verbal, emotional) due to men’s psycho-sociological arguments.

Violence against women also affects the lives of many women beyond the direct victims. Fear of violence can prevent women from receiving education, working or exercising their political rights. Violence against women is not only the cause but also the result of gender inequality. In many places, gender-based violence is reinforced by discriminatory laws and exclusionary social norms that undermine women and girls’ opportunities for education, income, and independence. Sometimes violence against women is accompanied by changing power relations within households and communities, especially when resentment against women moves outside traditional roles.

In Bangladesh, a 2016 report by the Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported that 1 in 2 married women have been subjected to domestic violence in their lifetime. Violence against both boys and girls is a current social problem in Bangladesh. Detailed data from BBS shows that adolescent girls remain vulnerable to all forms of violence, regardless of their marital status. Victims of domestic violence within the household are isolated, without support or resources, suffering in silence, fearing further abuse or retaliation as well as shame and stigma, further preventing them from seeking help or reporting abuse.

Tackling domestic violence requires a comprehensive strategy that includes legal and policy changes; changing perceptions and attitudes; and empowering survivors. It is essential to increase legal protections for victims and ensure accountability of perpetrators. For all this, domestic violence laws need to be enacted and implemented. These will also include increasing police and judiciary awareness and ensuring that victims of violence have access to legal aid and protection orders are available for survivors. It is vital to support women and girls who experience violence by ensuring they have access to justice, shelter and protection, whether it is violence at home or in the workplace.

Transforming societal views on domestic violence is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and community programs. It is necessary to challenge the norms and beliefs that perpetuate domestic violence, promoting a culture where violence is unacceptable and survivors are supported and empowered. For this, policy interventions should focus on the longer term by changing discriminatory social norms; closing educational, economic or social gender gaps; or raising awareness about violence against women. Innovative and aggressive policies aimed at changing outcomes, such as increasing women’s voice in society, can change norms. Although norms should guide the design of culturally sensitive policies and programs, they should not restrict or undermine initiatives.

It is critical to improve support services for victims of domestic violence. This includes creating safe shelters, providing counseling and healthcare, and providing economic empowerment programs to help survivors rebuild their lives. It is vital to ensure that these services are accessible and meet the diverse needs of survivors, regardless of their socio-economic background or location. There are many factors that prevent victims of domestic violence from seeking help: lack of awareness: many victims do not know their rights or the support services and resources available; social stigma: fear of social exclusion and blame prevents many people from speaking out; and economic dependence.

Legal and social frameworks in Bangladesh often do not adequately address domestic violence, leaving survivors feeling abandoned. Violence against women is also an urgent human rights issue that requires urgent and sustained action. Challenging the cultural and social norms that enable domestic violence demands a collective effort from government, civil society, communities, and individuals to protect and support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. Protecting human rights is not an option, it is a responsibility for all of us. Let us respond to this imperative and unite to end the hidden global fight against domestic violence.

Selim Cihan He is the Director of the Human Development Report Office and the lead author of the Human Development Report.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author.

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