Prevalence and Correlates of the Risk of Marital Sexual Violence in Bangladesh

Abstract

Sexual violence against women has never been new in history. What is new in the developmental literature is the discovery that this kind of act is wrong and has direct impact on women's health. Using data from a nationally representative sample, this article attempts to improve our understanding about the prevalence and determinants of sexual violence within marriage in Bangladesh. Findings reveal that the probability of a woman to be sexually abused increases if she is young and illiterate and hails from a landless, poor family. The risk of sexual abuse is less among women who participate in credit programs and financially contribute to their families. The article concludes that the context of sexual violence can be changed by involving vulnerable women in productive activities.