Domestic Violence Against Women in Urban Slums of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Violence against women has been treated as a global epidemic and not uncommon in Bangladesh like in many other low-income countries. The occurrence of domestic violence against women (DVAW) in the urban slums of Bangladesh is not well documented. There is also scarce evidence regarding the factors contributing to DVAW. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate DVAW in the urban slums and its associated factors in Chittagong, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 87 women of reproductive age having at least one child below 5 years of age and staying with their husband for at least last 1 year in selected slums under Chittagong City Corporation area. Structured questionnaire was used to interview the study participants. The data underwent descriptive and regression analysis. Of 87 respondents, 50 (57.5%) reported to suffer from domestic violence by their husband during the last 1 year. Physical violence was found to be significantly associated with age at marriage (p = .043), number of family members (p = .027), and wealth index (p = .000). DVAW is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. More extensive research should be performed to identify the factors contributing to the high prevalence of domestic violence in urban slums of Bangladesh. Household-based intervention incorporating effective community participation, education, and counseling is needed to limit this burning problem.