Factors Affecting the Violence Against Women: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study investigates the phenomenon of domestic violence perpetrated against women in Bangladesh, and endeavors to identify potential determinants that may underlie its prevalence. By employing a multivariate logistic regression model and utilizing a national representative dataset comprising 5044 households in rural Bangladesh, the present study reveals noteworthy correlations between domestic violence and various factors, including but not limited to women's age, poultry farming, total land ownership, working in rural areas, and women's decision-making authority in agriculture. The age of female individuals is a crucial factor in the occurrence of domestic violence, as there exists a positive correlation between age and the likelihood of experiencing such violence, with older women being more susceptible to it. Nevertheless, the probability of violent behavior decreases after a specific period. The rearing of poultry in farms seems to have a noticeable effect on the incidence of violence, whereas the possession of extensive land holdings reduces the probability of violent occurrences. Men who work in rural areas are more likely to engage in violent behavior, possibly due to economic instability and adherence to traditional gender norms. Research indicates that female individuals who possess decision-making power in the realm of agricultural production tend to experience reduced levels of violence. In general, the aforementioned discoveries illuminate the intricate mechanisms that underlie domestic violence in rural areas of Bangladesh.