Community-level correlates of physical violence against unmarried female adolescents in Bangladesh

Kristin Vanderende,Sajeda Amin,Ruchira Tabassum Naved

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1027

Kristin Vanderende, Sajeda Amin + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-1027

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundWhile the majority of research in Bangladesh has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, less is known about the correlates of physical violence against unmarried female adolescents, particularly community-level characteristics that may increase their risk of experiencing violence.MethodsWe used multilevel logistic regression analysis to assess the variability in physical violence against unmarried female adolescents at the community level and to explore the role of community-level characteristics in explaining this variability. The data for this analysis were taken from a 2005 nationally representative survey of 20,000 adolescents aged 10 to 24 living in Bangladesh. Data from 4,370 unmarried female adolescents were included in the final model.ResultsCommunities in Bangladesh have, on average, high levels of physical violence against unmarried female adolescents, and these levels vary widely across communities. Community-level acceptance of physical punishment against adolescents was related to unmarried female adolescents’ risk of experiencing physical violence.ConclusionsIt is important to find and target communities in which unmarried adolescent girls are at higher risk of experiencing physical violence. Programs and policies must focus specifically on changing attitudes regarding treatment of women and girls. As these attitudes accepting of physical violence are found in adolescents aged 10 to 19, school and community-based programs should particularly target this age group.

Highlights

While the majority of research in Bangladesh has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, less is known about the correlates of physical violence against unmarried female adolescents, community-level characteristics that may increase their risk of experiencing violence
We posited that community characteristics that have been explored in relation to IPV against married women are relevant to explain community-level variation in physical violence against unmarried female adolescents in Bangladesh
Over one-third (33.0%) of unmarried adolescents reported living in a household that belonged to an non-governmental organization (NGO)

Summary

Introduction

While the majority of research in Bangladesh has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, less is known about the correlates of physical violence against unmarried female adolescents, community-level characteristics that may increase their risk of experiencing violence. In Bangladesh, violence against women and girls (VAWG) is common [1,2] and has serious health consequences [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. While the majority of research on violence against women and girls in Bangladesh has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by married women [8,9,10], there is a growing recognition of the problem of violence experienced by unmarried adolescent girls [11,12]. Once high-risk communities and community-characteristics are identified, interventions can be targeted to focus on areas with the greatest need

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion